When someone is nearing the end of life, their body undergoes many changes, some of which may occur months before their passing. However, in the final 24 hours, loved ones may witness a common and often unsettling phenomenon—a noise known as the ‘death rattle.’

What is the ‘Death Rattle’?

According to Medical News Today, the ‘death rattle’ is caused by changes in breathing patterns and the buildup of secretions in the throat. Hospice Nurse Julie, an expert in end-of-life care, describes the sound:

“This is just a collection of a small bit of saliva in the back of the throat that just sounds really bad.”

Julie adds that fever is also common during this stage:

“We lose the ability to control the core temperature, so our temperature will fluctuate at the end of life. Again, it’s all very normal and part of the death and dying process if you are dying naturally at home.”

What Does the ‘Death Rattle’ Sound Like?

The ‘death rattle’ occurs when a person’s ability to swallow diminishes, allowing secretions to build up in the respiratory tract. The sound is often described as a “crackling, wet noise” that grows louder with each breath.