Death rattle: there may also be a rattling noise (often referred to as the "death rattle") at the back of the throat. The person is no longer able to cough or swallow, which causes secretions such as saliva to pool in the back of the throat. read more
Terminal respiratory secretions (or simply terminal secretions), known colloquially as a death rattle, are sounds often produced by someone who is near death as a result of fluids such as saliva and bronchial secretions accumulating in the throat and upper chest. read more