Death rattle

Sound often produced as someone nears death

A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone who is near death. It is caused by an accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways. Those who are dying may lose their ability to swallow and may have increased production of bronchial secretions, resulting in such an accumulation. Usually, two or three days earlier, symptoms of approaching death can be observed, such as saliva accumulating in the throat, difficulty taking even a spoonful of water, shortness of breath, and rapid chest movement. While death rattle is a strong indication that someone is near death, it can also be produced by other problems that cause interference with the swallowing reflex, such as brain injuries.

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