What is described as the noise made by a moribund person due to air passing through mucus in the trachea?

The term that describes the noise made by a moribund person due to air passing through mucus in the trachea is commonly referred to as the "death rattle." This phenomenon occurs when a patient is near death, typically in the last days or hours of life. When the individual can no longer effectively clear secretions from the respiratory tract, the accumulated mucus can create a rattling sound as air moves in and out of the lungs.

This sound can be unsettling for those present but indicates that the patient may soon pass away. It is essential to understand that the death rattle is not a sign of discomfort but rather a natural part of the dying process. Recognizing this sound allows caregivers and family members to prepare for the inevitable and offer appropriate support.

In contrast, terms like "death gasp" and "agonal rattle" refer to different phenomena associated with the final moments of life but do not specifically describe the mucus-related sound associated with the death rattle. "Mortality rattle" is not a widely recognized term in the medical or palliative care literature, making it less preferable than the accepted term of "death rattle."