Laughter is known as one of the best medicines in the world. It releases endorphins, lowers stress levels, and even increases pain tolerance. However, sometimes laughing can lead to coughing fits which can ruin the fun and social moments. If you’ve ever wondered “why do I cough when I laugh?”, you’re not alone. In this article, we will dive into the reasons why laughing can cause coughing fits, how to prevent it, and whether it’s a sign of a health problem.
Why do some people cough when they laugh?
First of all, let’s get into the science of coughing. Coughing is a reflex action that happens when irritants, such as dust, pollen, or mucus, stimulate nerve endings inside the respiratory tract. When this happens, the body reacts by expelling air forcefully to get rid of the irritants.
Now, when it comes to laughing, it can trigger coughing due to a few reasons:
The Physical Act of Laughing
When we laugh, our diaphragm and respiratory muscles contract to produce the sound. This can cause air to rush in and out of the lungs quickly, leading to a dry throat, dry mouth, and even triggering a coughing reflex. In some cases, the laughing fits can be so intense that they cause the individual to inhale some saliva or liquid, leading to further coughing.
Underlying Respiratory Condition
Some people are more prone to coughing when laughing due to underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). These conditions can make the airways more sensitive and reactive to irritants, making coughing more likely to happen. If you suspect that you may have an underlying respiratory condition, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, many people with symptoms of acid reflux find that laughing leads to heartburn symptoms like chest pain, burning, and coughing.
How can I prevent coughing when I laugh?
While there’s no guaranteed surefire way to stop coughing when laughing, there are a few tips that may help minimize coughing:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water or other fluids can help keep your throat moist and reduce the chances of coughing when laughing. You may want to avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks though, as they can dehydrate you further and make coughing more likely to happen.
Breathing Exercises
Practicing deep breathing can help strengthen your diaphragm and respiratory muscles, making it easier for you to control your breathing and prevent coughing when laughing.
Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air via a humidifier can help keep your throat moist and prevent coughing when laughing. It can also help reduce the severity of coughing fits if they do happen.
Is coughing when laughing a sign of a health problem?
As mentioned earlier, coughing when laughing can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD. If you notice that your coughing happens frequently or lasts for a long time, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Additionally, if you experience other symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor as these can be signs of a more serious underlying health problem.
Conclusion
Coughing when laughing may be annoying and disruptive, but it’s usually not a sign of a serious health problem. Understanding the reasons behind it and taking some preventive measures can help minimize coughing fits and allow you to enjoy the fun times that come with laughter.