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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Death Rattle and Agonal Breathing?

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Death rattle and agonal breathing are two distinct phenomena related to breathing issues at the end of life. Here are the key differences between them:

Death Rattle:

  1. Caused by saliva or mucus collecting in the throat or chest, leading to a gurgling noise.
  2. Occurs when a person is only hours or days away from death.
  3. Related to relaxation of throat muscles and vibration of soft tissues in the back of the mouth.

Agonal Breathing:

  1. An abnormal and often brief, inadequate pattern of breathing.
  2. Can be a sign of imminent death or occur weeks before death.
  3. Usually a symptom of a severe medical emergency, such as stroke or cardiac arrest.
  4. Can sound like gasping, snorting, labored breathing, or even moaning.

In summary, death rattle is characterized by a gurgling noise due to the accumulation of saliva or mucus in the throat or chest, whereas agonal breathing is an abnormal pattern of breathing that may signal a serious medical emergency or imminent death.

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  • What is the Difference Between Death Rattle and Agonal Breathing?
  • Comparative Table: Death Rattle vs Agonal Breathing

    • Comparative Table: Death Rattle vs Agonal Breathing

    Here is a table comparing the differences between death rattle and agonal breathing:

    Feature Death Rattle Agonal Breathing
    Description A sign of a patient transitioning to the final stage of the dying process. An inadequate pattern of breathing caused by the heart no longer circulating blood effectively.
    Cause Caused by mucus and saliva build-up in the throat. Reflexive and involuntary, controlled by the dying brain.
    Sound Gurgling or wet sounds, mainly heard from the oral cavity. Gasping or labored breathing, often accompanied by grunting or groaning sounds on exhalation.
    Timing Occurs in the final stage of the death process. Can occur in the final stage of the death process or in a person who is not terminally ill.
    Associated Typically experienced by someone who is in the last stages of life or has a prolonged, terminal illness. Often happens out of the blue, brought on by a sudden health event.

    Both death rattle and agonal breathing are signs that a person is approaching the end of their life, but they have distinct differences in their causes, sounds, and timing.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.