Definition of Death rattle
A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone near death. Accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways are the cause. 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 a 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.
It is sometimes misinterpreted as the sound of the person choking to death or gargling. Notably, death rattle is a separate phenomenon from agonal respiration, ataxic respiration, and Kussmaul respiration.
Related terms
Environmental noise
Environmental noise is an accumulation of noise pollution that occurs outside. This…
Repetition pitch
Repetition pitch is an unexpected sensation of tonality or pitch that often occurs in…
Recruitment (medicine)
Recruitment, in medicine, is a physical condition of the inner ear that leads to…
Occupational hearing loss
Occupational hearing loss (OHL) is hearing loss that occurs as a result of occupational…
Acoustic emission
Acoustic emission (AE) is the phenomenon of radiation of acoustic (elastic) waves in…
Line array
A line array is a loudspeaker system that is made up of a number of usually identical…
Acoustic streaming
Acoustic streaming is a steady flow in a fluid driven by the absorption of…
Monaural sound
Monaural sound or monophonic sound (often shortened to mono) is sound intended to be…
Silence procedure
A silence procedure, tacit consent, or tacit acceptance procedure (French: procédure…
Frequently asked questions
What is Death rattle?
A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone near death. Accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways are the cause.