Laugh-induced Asthma: Causes, Remedies, and Further Information
Laughter, a universal expression of joy, can sometimes have an unexpected impact on people with asthma. According to recent studies, laughter can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms due to changes in breathing patterns and airway constriction [1][2][3][5].
Managing Asthma Symptoms
For individuals with asthma, particularly those who find that emotions like laughter trigger their symptoms, effective management strategies include:
- Using prescribed asthma inhalers: These devices help relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation, thereby improving airflow [4].
- Practicing asthma self-management skills: Recognising triggers, controlling emotions, and maintaining regular medication use can prevent asthma attacks [5].
- Avoiding or moderating exposure to intense laughter or other emotional triggers: If these consistently cause symptoms, it may be beneficial to limit exposure [1][5].
Asthma and Emotional Triggers
Intense laughter may lead to bronchospasm, coughing, wheezing, difficulty catching breath, and even trigger asthma attacks. When a person laughs repeatedly, it may cause common asthma symptoms such as breathing difficulties, atypical breath sounds (including rattling in the chest and wheezing), chest tightness, coughing, and breathing changes [2].
The Role of a Doctor
People with asthma should consult their doctor if symptoms do not go away with usual asthma medications, temporarily improve with medication before coming back, seem to be worsening, disrupt daily activities, affect sleep, or do not provide relief from symptoms despite an asthma action plan [6]. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends speaking with a doctor if positive emotions or laughter exacerbate asthma symptoms [7].
Breathing Exercises for Asthma Management
Learning breathing exercises can help manage intense emotions and ease asthma symptoms. These exercises can be particularly useful for people who find that emotions trigger their asthma [8].
Asthma Awareness and Management
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of airways inside the lungs. People with asthma do not need to avoid laughter, but they should speak with a healthcare professional about ways to manage and treat their condition [9]. Laughter-induced asthma, which refers to asthma that develops or flares up due to laughter, can be managed with fast-acting inhalers and an asthma action plan created by a doctor [10].
It is essential to note that it is impossible to be allergic to laughter, but laughter may trigger asthma, wheezing, and coughing [11].
For more information about asthma treatments and whether laughter is good for you, consult your healthcare professional or visit reputable health resources.
[1] Mayo Clinic - Asthma Causes [2] Asthma UK - Laughter and Asthma [3] WebMD - Laughter and Asthma [4] American Lung Association - Asthma Medications [5] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Asthma Self-Management [6] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - When to See a Doctor [7] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Laughter and Asthma [8] Asthma UK - Breathing Exercises [9] Mayo Clinic - Asthma Treatment [10] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - Asthma Action Plan [11] WebMD - Can You Be Allergic to Laughter?
- For naive individuals with asthma who find that laughter triggers their symptoms, using prescription asthma inhalers can help relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation, thereby improving airflow.
- Asthma self-management skills, such as recognising triggers, controlling emotions, and maintaining regular medication use, can prevent asthma attacks in people with asthma.
- While laughter shouldn't be avoided for people with asthma, it may lead to bronchospasm, coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and even asthma attacks, so managing and treating the condition with the guidance of a healthcare professional is essential.
- Learning breathing exercises can prove beneficial for asthma management, particularly for people whose emotions trigger their asthma symptoms.
- Considering the impact of laughter on respiratory conditions like asthma, seeking advice from a healthcare professional about asthma treatments and management strategies becomes crucial for maintaining one's health and wellness, including mental health and fitness and exercise routines.
