Death rattle sounds refer to the rattle-like breathing noises caused by respiratory tract secretions during the final days of life. Those who are dying may lose their ability to swallow, resulting in an accumulation of these secretions. The following researched death rattle information addresses several myths that exist regarding this experience.
Death Rattle Myths and Facts
1) Myth:
Death rattle symptoms are rare.
Fact:
Death rattle symptoms are common in dying patients.
2) Myth:
Death rattle symptoms are difficult to watch or control.
Fact: Death
rattle symptoms can be distressing for some observers. Symptoms
can be treated through a combination of measures. It should be noted, however,
that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that any drug is superior to a placebo
containing no medication. Treatment may serve to alleviate the perceived
distress of observers rather than benefiting the patient.
3) Myth: Patients showing death rattle
symptoms undergo a great deal of pain.
Fact: The level of consciousness in patients who may appear to be actively
choking while experiencing death rattle symptoms is usually so low that it is
generally assumed that they are not in pain. Healthcare providers should consider why they treat death
rattle symptoms. Some of the drugs involved
have negative side effects. Caregivers and loved ones should be educated regarding the death
rattle experience and reassured that it is unlikely that patients are
distressed.
Rattle-like breathing sounds
resulting from an accumulation of secretions in the dying patient’s airway can
be heard during the death rattle. It would be both helpful and interesting to read
firsthand comments from healthcare staff and other caregivers regarding
their personal involvement with patients and observers during death
rattle experiences.
This YouTube video features death rattle sounds from the mouth of a dying patient.
This YouTube video features death rattle sounds from the mouth of a dying patient.
1) Read about death rattle impact on hospice workers and over 50 comments from readers here.
2) Read more information about dying and the death rattle here.
3) Read the many comments below from other readers.
Frances Shani Parker,
Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer
in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book
editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
