Does it happen to you too that you are coughing repeatedly while laughing? Although it is normal to cough while laughing, if it is happening repeatedly, you should not ignore this sign as it can be a serious illness.
It’s very normal to cough after laughing, but we should always be aware of ‘what is the reason behind it’ because you should be aware of your body’s condition.
1. Types of Cough
There are mainly different types of cough, and their causes are also unique. Which we are going to know in this blog.
1.1 Chesty Cough
In medical terms, it is a Phlegm cough which is simply defined as a wet cough. In chesty Phlegm, when a person laughs loudly heavy pressure is felt on the chest which causes slight pain, mucus and Phlegm are seen coming out of the cough.
Over time each cough produces a large amount of mucus that’s why this type of cough is medically called a ‘Productive Cough’. Additionally, the acute cough lasts only for 3 weeks, which is normal, and if in any case, it persists longer don’t wait and see a doctor.
Chesty cough is sometimes caused by a virus acquired from a cold, but it is most often seen after a sore throat. In such a situation, the complaint of this cough is seen more in the morning.
This is due to the reason that there is less cough while you sleep. Because cells make mucus from the airways at night.
1.2 Tickly Cough
This is the most common cough occurring in people of any age. It caused due to swelling in the throat. This cough is very unbearable. In this, you will not see Phlegm coming out of your throat which makes it worsen.
It becomes difficult to sleep at night, so take a bath with hot water. The nose becomes swollen and starts dripping. Due to this more mucus is formed and enters the body. Drink more water try to stay hydrated and don’t sleep on your back.
The cough reflex creates the problem and triggers the nose. This increases the chance of getting more cough, flu, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis.
1.3 Dry Cough
Phlegm or mucus is not produced in a dry cough. Many people do not have even a cough. In most cases, dry cough is the only symptom of Asthma.
Whenever there is a problem and irritation in our airways we start having a dry cough. it causes a dry cough. Some most common illnesses that can cause dry cough are cold, flu, hay fever, acid reflux, and, laughter-induced asthma.
1.4 Nervous Cough
This is also a non-productive cough but it is not caused by any physical problem such as fever, flu, or allergy. The symptoms of nervous cough are rarely observed. This is an off-type of cough.
In this, you’ll face problems like abnormal breath, the feeling of lack of oxygen in the throat, and many other problems in the throat. It may be reduced and increased while resting (depending on person to person).
This is the most complex type of cough sometimes no benefit is seen from the cough, rather the person becomes chronic. One tip is to avoid taking tension as it will get worse under stress.
1.5 Night Cough
In any case, if you find that your condition is getting worse, or it become so difficult that you are unable to sleep at night do not ignore it and see your healthcare doctor.
Night cough is a big symptom of a cold or flu. When we sleep at night (especially on our stomach) mucus tends to move to the wrong parts of the airways and accumulate. Which promotes Acid Reflex.
It does not matter which cough you have, every cough is a problem for the night routine. Stomach food can move into the food pipe if we sleep on our stomachs. Also, if you have asthma, you may have cough symptoms especially when speaking, laughing, and exercising. So drink more water, have a spray for the nasal, and take a hot shower.
1.6 Persistent Cough
If your cough lasts for more than 8 weeks and you are not getting relief this is called Chronic Cough. This is a seasonal type of cough, which irritates the lungs.
Sometimes the reason behind this cough is any kind of allergy, sinus problem, respiratory problem, daily smoking habit, and side effects of the medicine. Some of the most dangerous diseases include lung cancer, and lymphoma of the chest.
Therefore, if you are feeling any type of symptoms, do not ignore them and go to the hospital for a check-up. You may have other daily life signs like shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood.
1.7 Croup Cough
Croup Cough mostly happens to children of 4-5 years of age because kids’ immune system is weak. The reason is simple such as cold, which causes swelling of the throat of the baby which promotes pain in the trachea. A baby’s stuffy nose is the first sign and later it also causes fever.
Due to the trachea, it becomes hard for air to reach the lungs properly, and the child starts coughing more loudly. If the trachea remains swollen for more than 3-5 days, it becomes more dangerous for the baby to breathe. They start making crying sounds due to irritation in the trachea.
Croup Cough can easily be treated at home with some common home remedies, which will give you relief within 1 week. For example, take the baby to a steamy bathroom and let him breathe for a while (4-5 minutes). Give your baby as much fluids as possible to drink, you can use acetaminophen in case of fever to cure.
1.8 Whooping Cough
Pertussis better known as Whooping cough is a very serious respiratory infection if it lasts more than 1 or 2 weeks. Also, it results in vomiting, a pale face, and tiredness. Which can damage the lungs badly. To get relief from this you can take part in any vaccination campaign move and get vaccinated.
This cough may spread from one person to another who has not yet been vaccinated. This quickly catches kids, that’s why it is necessary to get vaccinated to avoid it.
In this cough, a hoarse sound can be heard while trying to breathe. Sometimes, babies start panting instead of breathing.
3. Why Do you Cough When you Laugh?
That’s because when we laugh, the power of the air comes out.
This affects our airways, due to which we start coughing. In some cases, it is also a sign of life-threatening diseases like asthma.
3.1 Reflex Action
When we breathe lungs try to purify the air we exhale. Which irritates the airway, and triggers our coughing reflex. This makes it hard for us to breathe.
3.2 Asthma
For some patients, especially those with asthma, this is the main problem. It’s hard for them to laugh as it promotes cough. This happens because laughter makes our airways tights.
Because of this, cough is seen in people with sensitive airways. Many times, due to the change of weather, asthma patients get colds, fevers, and lung problems very easily.
3.3 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
When we laugh very loudly, there is pressure on our diaphragm, due to which the diaphragm gets a little relaxed. Due to this, the acid inside the stomach is forced on the esophagus. This irritates the throat and causes coughing problems in those who have GERD.
3.4 Upper Respiratory Infections
Conditions such as the very common cold, flu, or sinus infection can make the throat or airways more sensitive which can lead to more irritation, resulting in coughing during periods of laryngitis.
3.5 Postnasal Drips
Drips are observed when there is excess dripping from the nasal cavity behind the larynx. And this situation generates jealousy. And started coughing very fast while laughing. However, it can be cured at home.
In this, most of the mucus coming out of the nose is not visible, because it becomes one with the saliva inside the stomach. It gets stuck in the throat and then goes inside. The more mucus we have, the thicker it becomes.
4. When to See a Doctor?
Many people suffer from this problem every day, and it doesn’t mean you have an underlying medical problem or are at risk that will kill you.
If you are coughing at other times (such as during exercise, eating, and talking), inmost of that Smoking is the possible reason and if it’s not Smoking, there are other reasons too like Acid Reflex.
5. Some Useful Tips:
1- If you have a medical problem that is causing the cough, get that disease under control first and follow what your healthcare provider tells you.
2- Try to calm the irritation by keeping your throat hydrated as much as possible, this can help a lot and keep the cough under control. Try to drink enough water throughout the day.
3- If you are sensitive to environmental factors such as fragrances or dust. Especially when you are watching a comedy show and trying to laugh out loud. In that case, you should avoid irritants.
4- Try to lead a healthy lifestyle, in which you exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and sleep at the right time, so that your immune system remains strong. Keep in mind, it helps prevent respiratory infections, which make the airways more sensitive.
5- As we have mentioned above, smoking harms our bodies in many ways. Smoking damages our airways over time, which also affects the lungs, causing us to cough so quitting smoking is the best option.
6- Stop overeating, overeating leads to excessive laughing, and may increase symptoms of GERD, including cough. Eat as much food as you have in your diet. Try not to overeat and avoid lying down or laughing loudly immediately after eating.
6. Conclusion
Although it is not a good thing and can be very embarrassing to get phlegm in the back of your throat after laughing if you are in a job or college, it happens to everyone and it’s very common, you’re not the only one who struggles with it.
In most cases, there is nothing to worry about and it can be cured at home with some very common home remedies such as ginger, salt, and honey.
However, if phlegm is a strange color (mentioned above, you can match your Phlegm) or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a good doctor to rule out any underlying causes as it can be very dangerous.
Laughter is an important part of everyone’s life and we should not stop it at any cost, but it is also important to maintain our health to enjoy those memorable moments joyfully and without any harm.
So, the next time you have a cough while laughing remember that you are not alone and many others are struggling with it.
Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com
