Laughter‐Associated Asthma

G. Liangas Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Sydney, 2031, Australia; Departments of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia

D. H. Yates St. Vincent's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia

D. Wu Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia

R. L. Henry Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Sydney, 2031, Australia; Departments of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia

Paul S. Thomas Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Sydney, 2031, Australia; Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, 2031, Australia

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of laughter‐induced asthma, and to study any associations with asthma‐related triggers and measures of disease activity, using a questionnaire‐based survey of asthma subjects in both the community and on presentation to hospital. A total of 105 subjects participated, and 44 (41.9%) reported laughter‐associated asthma. Exercise and laughter were strongly associated as triggers (p < 0.006), as well as molds and grass pollen (p = 0.03). It seems to be associated with poor asthma control as well, since hospital admissions are also more frequent in this group (p = 0.043). Laughter‐induced asthma is strongly associated with exercise as a trigger; the mechanism remains uncertain, but better understanding of this problem may assist in controlling difficult asthma.

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Laughter‐Associated Asthma

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Laughter‐Associated Asthma

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