Doctors Say This Strange Sound Means Death Is Very Close — Here’s What It Is
The Strange Noise Before Death: What Is the Death Rattle?
Most people don’t know that the body can make a special noise just before someone passes away. This sound is called a “death rattle.” It is something that doctors and nurses hear often when they care for people at the end of life.
How the Death Rattle Sounds and Why It Happens
The death rattle happens when someone is very close to dying. According to Healthline, it is “a crackling, wet sound that may happen with each breath.” This sound is different from normal breathing.
When a person is about 24 hours from death, their body changes in many ways. They may not be able to swallow anymore. Their mouth and throat fill up with saliva and other fluids because they cannot cough or clear their throat. Each time they breathe, air moves through this saliva. This is what makes the death rattle sound.
Doctor Explains the Death Rattle
Dr. Paulien Moyaert, who is studying to be a doctor, talked about the death rattle in a YouTube video. She said, “This happens because as people get weaker, they lose the ability to swallow. Air pushes through the spit gathering in their throat, making a noisy sound.”
Some people say the death rattle sounds like the lungs are trying to breathe through a layer of spit. While it may seem scary to hear, Dr. Moyaert says that the person making the noise is usually unconscious. This means they are not aware and are not in pain.
Helping Families Understand
Many people worry when they hear the death rattle. Dr. Moyaert explained, “We often give medicine to dry up the spit and make the death rattle softer. But we do this to help the family, not the dying person, because the person doesn’t feel it.”
She also said that turning the person on their side and raising their head a little can help make the noise less loud.
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Family Reactions to the Death Rattle
Many people who watched Dr. Moyaert’s video thanked her for explaining the death rattle. One person wrote, “Thank you. I am alone with my dying mother right now and this helped me know that it is normal.” Another said, “My friend is dying in Florida and her daughter told me about the ‘death rattle,’ but I didn’t know what it was. Thank you for explaining.”
Some people said they wished they knew about the death rattle before their loved ones died. One person shared, “I wish I had this information before my mom died. It was scary to hear the death rattle and I thought she was struggling. The sound haunted me for months after she passed.”
If you need to talk to someone about losing a loved one, you can contact GrieveWell by calling (734) 975-0238 or emailing info@grievewell.com.
Visions and Dreams Before Death: What People Experience
Adults and Children See Different Things Before Dying
Many people have heard about seeing a tunnel or a bright light when they are near death. Dr. Christopher Kerr, a palliative care doctor from Buffalo, New York, has studied what people see before they die. He learned that adults and kids often experience different types of dreams and visions.
Dr. Kerr started his research after getting his Doctor of Medicine and a PhD in Neurobiology. He wanted to know more about what people see and feel as they are dying.
Why Visions Happen and What They Mean
Dr. Kerr found that adults and children have different visions because children do not understand death as much as adults do. Kids often find comfort in their imagination during their last days. Adults, on the other hand, remember important moments from their lives or see people they loved.
Dr. Kerr gave an example of a man in his 40s who spent most of his life in prison and had cancer. The man had some scary dreams about people he hurt, and he cried. But after his dreams, he wanted to see his daughter and say sorry to her. After that, he died peacefully.
Dr. Kerr explained, “Patients are not denying the sad things, but they can use their memories in a special way.”
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He told another story about a man who fought in World War II and had bad dreams because of things he saw in the war. The man could not sleep because of his nightmares. But one night, he dreamed about getting his discharge papers, which made him feel free. After that, he fell asleep and passed away.
Dr. Kerr said, “You can’t really die unless you can sleep. It’s hard to pass away when you are awake.”
How Children's Visions Are Different
Children who are dying may not know anyone who has died before. So, they often see animals in their dreams. These animals let them know they are not alone. Dr. Kerr said, “Children are creative and imaginative and can use that part of themselves.”
By studying these dreams and visions, Dr. Kerr hopes to help make hospice care better for everyone.
The Story of Conjoined Twins: Callie and Carter
Parents Face a Hard Choice
Chelsea and Nick Torres from Blackfoot, Idaho, were shocked when doctors told them they were going to have conjoined twins. The doctors said the twins had only a 5% chance to live longer than one day. Chelsea and Nick had to make a very hard decision. At first, Nick said, “We thought that not having the babies might be the best option. No one wants to carry their kids for nine months and then have them die.”
But they decided to go ahead and have the twins. They did not buy any baby clothes because they did not want to get their hopes up. When the twins were born, the parents were surprised and happy that the babies survived.
How Callie and Carter Live Today
Callie and Carter are now seven years old. They are conjoined from their chest to their lower body. Each girl has her own heart and stomach, but they share a liver, intestines, and bladder. Each twin can move two arms and one leg.
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Their parents could choose to have surgery to separate them, but it would be very risky. Chelsea said, “The only way we would do it is if a health problem comes up or if the girls want to be separated. We want them to understand the risks.”
Right now, Callie and Carter are happy just the way they are. Chelsea said, “They are happy in the skin that they’re in.”
The twins call each other “best friends.” Nick said, “They are not afraid to do anything.”
Living a Fun and Normal Life
Chelsea wants people to treat the twins like any other kids. She said, “I just want people to know that they are just two normal kids. They are in an unusual circumstance, but just treat them normal.”
Callie and Carter go to school, do physical therapy, and even ride bikes. They use a wheelchair to get around but finished first grade and said, “We have lots of friends. We really like school a lot.”
Vasectomies: What They Are and Myths Explained
Understanding the Vasectomy Procedure
A vasectomy is a surgery that some men have so they cannot make a woman pregnant anymore. About 500,000 vasectomies happen each year in the United States. Many people are talking about it because some women are tired of being the one who must prevent pregnancy.
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist, explained what a vasectomy is. He wrote for CNN, “A vasectomy is a minor office-based surgery. After numbing the skin, the doctor makes a tiny opening. They find the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm. The doctor cuts and seals it so sperm cannot mix with semen. The ends are put back and the skin is closed. Then you go home and rest.”
The surgery is quick and easy. Sometimes, there are no stitches needed, and the opening can be closed with skin glue.
Rumors About Vasectomies: True or False?
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Some people think men who have a vasectomy will have less testosterone, less desire for sex, or other problems. Dr. Jamin says this is not true. He explained that some couples even enjoy their sex life more after a vasectomy because they do not have to worry about surprise pregnancies.
Dr. Jamin also said that after a vasectomy, a man still ejaculates like before, but there is no sperm in the semen. He said, “You just shoot blanks instead.”
Many people worry about the cost. Dr. Jamin wrote, “Some think vasectomies are expensive or not covered by insurance, but most insurance plans pay for all or part of it.” Even if you have to pay yourself, the price can be less than $1,000.
Some men think they cannot become dads if they change their mind. Dr. Jamin said the vasectomy can be reversed, but the reversal is expensive and does not always work. He said, “Do not have a vasectomy thinking it’s only temporary, because reversal surgery is not always successful.”
Animal Sounds and Pooping: A Surprising Health Tip
A Doctor’s Pooping Hack
Did you know that making animal noises can help you poop? Dr. Karan Rajan, who is very popular on TikTok, explained this fun trick. He saw a video of someone blowing bubbles into a drink while trying to poop. That person said it helped with constipation and bloating.
Dr. Karan said, “If you are having trouble pooping and straining, this is a pooping hack that really works. Pretend to blow out bubbles or a candle.”
Doing this helps control how you breathe out. It activates the vagus nerve, which helps your body digest food and controls your heart rate and breathing.
Why Mooing or Blowing Bubbles Works
Dr. Karan said you can also make a “moo” sound, like a cow, to help you poop. He explained, “The moo sound and blowing bubbles is a gentle form of the Valsalva maneuver. It works like squatting but with less pressure.” This is a real breathing trick that helps your brain and stomach work better together.
Dr. Karan said, “Your rectum will thank you later when you don’t get hemorrhoids.”
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People React to the Pooping Hack
Many people laughed after watching Dr. Karan’s video. Some said, “Tried the moo sound. Not a great idea in the office bathroom.” Another joked, “My parents are going to hear Mongolian throat singing from the bathroom.” Someone else said, “My husband: Why are you mooing in the bathroom?”
Other people tried the trick and said it worked for them. Every day, you can learn something new!
Staying Informed and Healthy
Remember, health experts like Dr. Moyaert, Dr. Kerr, Dr. Brahmbhatt, and Dr. Rajan share important tips to help us understand our bodies better. Learning about the death rattle helps families feel less scared. Hearing about dreams and visions before death can comfort both adults and children.
Stories like Callie and Carter’s show how families can be brave and make hard choices. Knowing the truth about vasectomies helps men and women make smart decisions about their health. Even silly tricks, like making animal noises, can help us feel better.
If you are ever unsure about something with your body, it is always good to ask a doctor or a trusted adult. Health is important, and learning new things can help you and your family stay strong and happy.
Helpful Resources and Support
If you have lost someone and feel sad, you are not alone. Many people feel this way. You can talk to someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or counselor. Or you can contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238 or email info@grievewell.com.
It is okay to ask questions and learn more about your body. Doctors and nurses are there to help you. Whether it’s understanding the death rattle, learning about dreams before death, making choices about surgery, or even finding ways to poop easier, there is always something new to discover.
Stay curious, take care of your body, and remember that asking questions is always a good thing!
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