End of life nurse explains why patients let out ‘death rattle' in the moments before they die

A hospice nurse has explained one aspect of death which can leave the loved ones of dying people disturbed.

Julie McFadden is a hospice nurse, and in addition to caring for people in their final weeks, she posts about her work on TikTok.

The nurse frequently post on social media about some of the misconceptions around dying and educates people about what to expect when a loved one or they are on their way out.

There are a number of strange things which can happen when people are nearing death.

She shared some of the things that happen when we die. (@hospicenursejulie/TikTok)

For example, many people can see deceased loved ones in the room with them.

Whether it's them coming to speed us on our way or our brain's way of reassuring us we'll perhaps never know, but either way it's a comforting thought.

It's not just the mental aspects of it either, also the physical.

One physical sign can be the body's extremities such as hands and feet becoming cold as a weakening body concentrates blood around the vital organs.

McFadden also explained one aspect in particular which can leave loved ones distressed.

This is the so-called 'death rattle'.

McFadden explained on her YouTube channel: “The death rattle is the most normal thing and to be expected at the end of life, however if you're not used to hearing it, it feels like the scariest thing you've ever heard."

For those who don't know, the 'death rattle' is when someone's breathing becomes crackling and wet as they near death.

This can be due to a build up of fluids in the lungs that makes an unsettling noise, which a dying person is not strong enough to clear.

McFadden said that, while the noise is distressing to people who have not heard it before, it's completely normal and doesn't cause any significant discomfort to the dying person.

Julie McFadden shares her experience of working in a hospice. (@hospicenursejulie/TikTok)

While there are some measures which can help to reduce a death rattle, as it is sometimes part of dying, it's not always possible to eliminate it entirely.

On average, people survive around 23 hours once a death rattle sets in.

The sound is generally regarded as a sign for loved ones to say goodbye.

McFadden shared what she had learned from her supporting people as they die.

She said: “What I've learned in hospice nursing and in ICU nursing is that death is not the worst possible thing.

"It has changed my life, me getting to witness so much love I see while my patients are on hospice."