Death rattle
Sound often produced as someone nears death / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A death rattle is noisy breathing that often occurs in someone who is near death.[1] It is caused by an accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways.[2] Those who are dying may lose their ability to swallow and may have increased production of bronchial secretions, resulting in such an accumulation.[3] 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,[2] it can also be produced by other problems that cause interference with the swallowing reflex, such as brain injuries.[3]
It is sometimes misinterpreted as the sound of the person choking to death or gargling.