When the approaching person is approaching the ends of their lives, there are many physical and emotional changes.
Some characters may develop over time, but there is one particular phenomenon that can catch families out of sight in the last 24 hours: a worrying and almost frightening sound known as a “rattle”.
If you’ve ever been to the presence of a dying loved one, you may have heard it, but maybe you don’t completely understand what’s going on. Is it a reason for concern? What can you do to alleviate discomfort, both passing people and those who have stayed?
Let’s explore the worrying but natural occurrence of death and what it really means.
As one approaches the end of his life, their body is undergoing various changes, some of which can start for months in advance. In the last 24 hours, however, there may be a common and often disturbing occurrence – a sound known as a “rattle”. What exactly is the “deadly rattle”?
According to today’s medical reports, death rattles are the result of changed respiratory patterns and accumulation of secretions in the throat. Hospice sister Julie, a professional at the end of life, explains: “It’s just a small amount of saliva in the back of the neck and creates an unpleasant noise.”
It continues: “At the end of life our body loses the ability to regulate the core temperature and causes fluctuations, but this is quite normal for someone who dies naturally at home.”
The rattle occurs when a person’s ability to swallow, leading to the accumulation of fluids in the respiratory system. The sound is often described as a “wet, crackling noise” that intensifies every time of breath. Research suggests that after the onset of a deadly rattle, the average time remaining in life is approximately 25 hours. However, this phase usually takes longer for individuals in hospice care compared to those in the hospital environment.
How can you alleviate the sound of a “rattle”?
Although the death of the rattle is a natural part of the dying process, there are measures that can help alleviate the sound and provide comfort to the close to the surroundings:
- Place the person on your side to help drain the secretion.
- Lift your head slightly to promote fluid drainage.
- They moisten the mouth with a damp swift to keep it hydrated.
- Use suction to remove secretions if necessary.
- Reduce fluid intake to reduce excessive secretion.
- Manage the prescribed medicines that help clear secretions.
It is important to note that even if these actions can help reduce the intensity of noise, it is unlikely to completely remove it.
In conclusion, the rattle of death is a common and natural occurrence in the final stages of life, often caused by the accumulation of secretions and changes in respiratory patterns. Although it may be for close disturbances, understanding its cause and taking steps to alleviate it can be offered by some comfort.
Although it is unlikely that the sound is completely removed, the position of the person’s position, the management of fluid intake and the use of drugs to delete secretion can help reduce its intensity. It is important to realize that the rattle of death is just one part of the dying process and providing compassionate care during this time can help alleviate the transition to the person and their family.