Chest pain when laughing is often linked to lung issues. According to reference A, such pain is more likely due to a lung infection.
Understanding the Connection
When you laugh, your lungs expand. If there's an infection, the inflamed lung tissues rub together, causing sharp, stabbing chest pain. This pain isn't the same as angina.
Why does this happen?
- Inflammation: A lung infection causes swelling in your lung tissues.
- Expansion: Laughing makes your lungs expand and these swollen tissues rub against each other.
- Pain: This friction generates a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest.
Distinguishing from Angina
It is crucial to remember that this type of chest pain differs from angina, which is usually heart related. Pain from a lung infection is directly related to the expansion and contraction of your lungs.
What To Do
If you have chest pain when laughing, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please consult a medical professional.
