It’s important to be aware of the so-called death rattle given how distressing it can be to experience for loved ones

The death rattle is an ‘upsetting’ part of death for some people which is important to be aware of.

When it comes to facing losing a loved one, it’s impossible to ever truly mentally prepare.

However, having an idea of what may happen in their final moments, particularly medically speaking, can try and ensure you don’t get any further unexpected nasty surprises on top of what is already such a difficult time.

What is a death rattle?

A death rattle ‘is a crackling, wet sound that may accompany each breath,’ Healthline explains.

The site continues: “A death rattle is a distinctive sound that a person may make as they are coming to the end of their life and may no longer be able to swallow or cough effectively enough to clear their saliva.”

It typically occurs when a person is ‘in a weakened state or is in and out of consciousness’ with someone not having the physically strength to swallow or cough, their breathing subsequently potentially coming across ‘irregular’ or ‘labored’.

“When they take a deeper breath, the death rattle sounds may be louder because the deeper, more forceful breath is moving against the secretions in the back of the throat.”

And the sound is fairly distinct.

The ‘death rattle’ sound

Given it’s called the death rattle, it’s not exactly shocking that the sound isn’t exactly a nice one to meet your ears.