There are many benefits to laughing. It puts you in a good frame of mind, relieves stress and even has health benefits. But if you take things to the extreme, can laughing too hard kill you?
WHO doesn't love having a good laugh? Laughing has been shown to boost one's mood and attitude.
Whether you're watching a favourite sitcom or listening to funny stories from friends on a night out, laughter is infectious.
Sometimes a joke is so funny that you can't seem to stop, your abdomen starts to hurt, and you’re gasping for air while tears are in your eyes.
However, can laughing too hard be deadly to you? Is it true?
VERDICT:
SOMEWHAT TRUE
While dying from laughter may sound impossible, a condition triggered by laughing might.
Extreme laughter, while unusual, has been documented to result in fatal consequences such as leading to a heart attack or suffocation.
It can induce a rapid rise in heart rate and blood pressure, both of which could be hazardous for people who have pre-existing cardiac issues.
In severe circumstances, the stress placed on the heart during fits of laughter may result in cardiac arrest and death.
Uncontrollable laughter may also disturb the natural pattern of breathing, resulting in a lack of oxygen intake.
This can cause asphyxiation, in which the body suffers a lack of the oxygen it requires to operate effectively.
In some cases, patients may develop laryngospasm, a rapid closing of the vocal cords that further obstructs airflow and can be deadly if not treated fast.
The immense stress of laughter may create serious risks, such as causing a brain aneurysm—a swelling in a compromised blood vessel that might explode.
Intense laughter may worsen previously existing diseases, such as asthma attacks or seizures in patients who have epilepsy.
Although it is uncommon to die from laughter, it is important to be aware that strong emotions, including laughter, can have unexpected effects if you have an underlying issue or health concern.
Becoming mindful of these risks allows us to protect ourselves while enjoying a great time.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991051/
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f7274
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-die-from-laughing#is-laughing-bad
4. https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/can-you-die-from-laughing
5. https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/24743855/laughing-kill-death-aneurysm-suffocation/
6. https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/47117/20231115/die-laughter-when-possible.htm
