It is likely more distressing to the family and loved ones to hear the death rattle than it is to the patient experiencing it. If your loved one experiences end-stage wet respirations, here are some practical things you can do to minimize or eliminate it: Try changing the patient's position.
carbon dioxide - a heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposition of organic substances; absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis.
Medical Definition of carbon dioxide. : a heavy colorless gas CO2 that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages.