Death rattle: what it means and how to help
The 'death rattle' is noisy, rattling breathing that can happen in the last hours or days of life. It can happen because the person is very sleepy or unconscious, so cannot cough or swallow the normal fluids in their chest or throat. It may be upsetting to hear, but it doesn't usually cause the dying person any distress. (NHS inform, NHS)
Signposting, not medical adviceSources checked 28 September 2026
Why does their breathing sound like this?
The body naturally makes mucus in the lungs and nose. When we are well, we clear it by coughing. When someone is dying and no longer moving around, the mucus can build up and cause a rattling sound when they breathe. (NHS)
Other changes to breathing are common too. Breathing may become shallower, faster or slower, with longer pauses between breaths. (NHS inform)
Is the person in distress?
Usually not. Noisy breathing may be upsetting to hear, but it doesn't usually cause any distress to the dying person. (NHS inform)
In the very last moments of life, breaths may become much slower and quieter before they stop. A few people stop breathing and then take one or two final breaths. (NHS inform)
What can help
- It may help to change their position so that they are on their side. You may need a nurse or carer to help, and you can ask them to show you the best way to move the person. (NHS inform)
- If they seem anxious, sit with them so that they know you are there. (NHS inform)
- Ask their doctor or nurse about medicines. These can help to reduce noisy breathing. (NHS inform)
- If they seem breathless, a small fan or an open window can help. (NHS inform)
Related pages
If you need help now
If someone's life is in danger, call 999. If you need medical help urgently and are not sure what to do, call 111 (NHS 111 in England and Wales, NHS 24 in Scotland). In Northern Ireland, nidirect explains where to get urgent help.
If someone has just died
- If the death was expected, at home
- Contact their GP. If community nurses have been visiting, call them too: they can verify the death. Outside surgery hours, contact the on-call doctor.
- If the death was unexpected
- Call 999 straight away and explain what has happened. The police will also be told, because the coroner needs to know.
Sources: NHS: when to call 999 · NHS: when to use 111 · Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust · nidirect: when someone dies at home
Sources
- NHS: Changes in the last hours and days of life (Last reviewed 26 October 2023; read 28 September 2026)
- NHS inform: What happens when someone is dying (Last updated 31 July 2026; read 28 September 2026)