The Impact of “Death Rattle” on Patients, Informal Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review

Norah Fagan, Michael Connolly, Nessa Keane, Andrew Davies, Academic Department of Palliative Medicine, Our Lady, s Hospice , Care Services, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Saint Francis Hospice, Academic Department of Palliative Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Our Lady, s Hospice , Care Services

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®

Published online on September 30, 2025

Abstract

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundAudible upper airway secretions (“death rattle”) is a common problem in patients in the last days of life. The objectives of this scoping review was to determine the impact of death rattle on patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare ...