‘Everyone deserves to pass on in peace’ is a belief held by many people, regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs. Many people who have terminal illnesses and know their time is short often plan ahead, their loved ones also make sure their time left is spent with utmost care and the most comfortable they can be. The NHS UK explains that you can receive end-of-life care at your home, in hospitals, hospices, or a care home. Different healthcare professionals and social care workers are involved in this care. There are some changes that happen when you are in the last hours of life, many of which may not seem too apparent. The NHS explains that these changes happen when someone is in the terminal phase of dying, due to whichever condition or illness they have. Things like feeling drowsy or not wishing to drink anything may seem vague and unimportant, but these could signify that the person is ready to move on. These can last hours or even days. When someone is nearing the end of their life, a peculiar symptom can appear, according to a doctor. Dr. Paulien Moyaert, a medical expert from Belgium who shares medical information on her YouTube channel, recently talked about a specific breathing sound that patients may make as they approach death. Understanding the "Death Rattle" A medical expert, who shares health information online, recently talked about a special breathing sound that dying patients might make. This sound is sometimes called a "death rattle." According to the expert, a person usually lives for about 23 hours after this sound begins. With each breath, the person might make a moaning, snoring, or rattling sound. This happens because as someone becomes less aware and deeply asleep, they lose the ability to swallow and clear spit (secretions) from their mouth. When air moves over this pooled spit, it creates the noisy breathing. Some people describe it as the lungs trying to breathe through a layer of saliva. Is It Painful for the Patient? It's important to know that this sound is not painful or upsetting for the patient. At this point, they are usually unresponsive and in a deep sleep. While the sound can be distressing and "sound terrible" for family and loved ones to hear, it doesn't bother the dying person. Because of this, medical staff often give medicines to dry up the airways and make the "death rattle" softer. This is done more for the comfort of the family than for the patient themselves. What Can Help? Repositioning the patient can sometimes help. Turning them to their side with their head slightly raised might make a difference. The NHS also explains that breathing can become "more noisy" because of a "build-up of mucus." Our bodies naturally make mucus in our breathing system. When we're healthy, coughing helps get rid of it. But when someone is dying and not moving around much, the mucus can build up and cause that rattling sound when they breathe. Other Signs Near the End of Life The NHS describes other changes that can happen during the "terminal phase" or last stages of life. These include becoming sleepy, not wanting to eat or drink, changes in breathing, confusion, seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations), and having cold hands and feet. According to the charity Marie Curie, most people who have this noisy breathing in their final days usually die within a few days. However, everyone is different, so some might live longer, and others might die more quickly. If loved ones are worried or upset about this symptom, they should talk to their doctor, nurse, or care home staff. The NHS also provides various resources and advice for carers and families during this time.