Death rattle
Noisy breathing near death from fluid accumulation in airways.
Death rattle is noisy breathing caused by accumulation of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions in the throat and upper airways, often occurring in someone near death. It is a strong indication that death is approaching, though it can also result from other problems that interfere with the swallowing reflex, such as brain injuries.
Quick Facts
- Cause
- Accumulation of saliva and bronchial secretions in throat and upper airways
- Typical onset
- Two or three days after symptoms of approaching death
- Associated symptoms
- Saliva accumulating in throat
- difficulty taking even a spoonful of water
- shortness of breath
- rapid chest movement
- Distinct from
- Agonal respiration
- ataxic respiration
- Kussmaul respiration
Facts from the source article.
More in Symptoms and Signs: Respiratory System
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced
Comments
Loading…