A colloquial term for gurgling noises caused by movements of secretions in the upper airways with inspiration and expiration in dying patients.
A raucous type of respiration arises due to the accumulation of sputum (viscous material) in the air passages of an individual nearing the end of life, rendering them incapable of swallowing or expelling it through coughing. Despite being discomforting for those around the person, it seems to lack any distressing effect on the individual themselves.