User:Mr. Ibrahem/Death rattle

Death rattle, also known as terminal respiratory secretions, is noisy breathing that frequently occurs in people near death. It may last for hours and generally death occurs within hours to days. Family and caregivers may find it distressing.

It believed to occurs due to saliva and bronchial secretions accumulating in the upper airway together with the loss of the ability to swallow. It can be misinterpreted as choking. Similar sounds may occur with brain injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Management may involved reassuring the family, repositioning the person, decreasing fluid intake, suctioning the mouth, and medications such as anticholinergics. Anticholinergics used may include scopolamine butylbromide, hyoscyamine, glycopyrrolate, or atropine. Medications may be used preventatively. This is done for the families or caregivers benefits as the sounds do not bother the person affected. It occurs in around 25% to 90% of people.