not so much a question -- but if we make our 5 yo laugh too much (where he can't catch his breath) or have him running around -- he'll start coughing and cough so much that he'll gag and throw up -- perfectly fine afterward. We "generally" know when it's going to happen -- and I delight in making him so happy and think that we are so funny -- but it definitely comes at a price ;)
Mine would warn us with a few hiccups, then it would all come up. We can usually back off, and do a couple of deep breaths before we start in again (with a little less intensity :)
I agree that it could be tonsils but more likely exercise-induced asthma. I think you might consider alternatives. Many of the posts recommend a nebulizer but you should be aware of the risks of the pharmaceuticals involved there, not to mention the emotional drain of having your child hooked up to this. There are nutritional solutions to boost your child's immune system without chemicals - you could always try that as a logical first step before resorting to doctor visits, copayments, and drugs. Friends of mine had their 1 year old on a nebulizer all winter long and they were heartsick - in the last 4 years, they haven't used it once. If you'd like to talk to them, they'd be happy to share their story.
I wouldn't make him laugh so much if you (as adults) know the consequences. It seems mean. Have your son checked for asthma or other breathing problems with his pediatrician.
I would have your little guy checked. Like the others said, sounds like it maybe be asthma. I'd get him checked so if that is the case, they can offer suggetsions that can help his airway especially if it were to escalate into real difficulty breathing one of these times.
My son had/has similar issues, and it wasn't asthma or anything else that the pediatrician could find. He just seems to have a very sensitive gag reflex, and although I don't think it ever happened with laughing, when he cried too hard he would vomit. Or when something went down wrong and activated his gag reflex, or when he ate something he particularly didn't like (especially if the texture was something he didn't like), or if he eats too much. Or sometimes for no reason at all. He seems to be outgrowing it now (he's 8), and he also knows it's coming and almost always gets himself to the bathroom in time.
I would definitely bring it to the attention of your pediatrician, but it might not be anything you need to worry about, and it might be something he outgrows.
Hi L.,
He may have excercise induced asthma. Bring it to the attention of your pediatrican.
J.
I'm wondering if it could e asthma? I have it & that always happens to me. Just a quick thought. Good Luck.
Just last week I took my 2 1/2 yr old to the doctor w/the same thing..after she runs, laughs too much or gets overexcited she too starts coughing and sometims throws up. Doctor is very convinced that it is "exercise induced asthma"...another key sign is if he/she wakes up in the middle of the night w/a coughing fit (not alot..just occassionally for us). We have her started on a nebulizer just a few minutes before bed to see if that helps...good luck!
May be enlarged Tonsils / adnoids that get inflamed when he laughs / blood pressure rises, etc. My son, same thing, I took him to an Ear, Nose, Throat and they sent me to a Gastroenterologist - they removed his tonsils / adnoids and it hasn't happened now since '03.
My thoughts, too--see if he has asthma. His airways may be getting constricted and leading to the coughing. Whenever our son got a cold, he would go into asthma, and we would need to give him a dose of medicine with a nebulizer (machine that mists the liquid). Colds seemed to be the only trigger. But exercise and excitement are common triggers for others.
Hi L.,
While the medical answer may come from your pediatrician, I think I would encourage all adult family members to avoid letting things get to the point where he cannot catch his breath, if possible. The gagging and throwing up can damage his throat with acid, and definitely create a mindset of him being "a gagger". This has the possibility of becoming an issue later in life, and truly interferes with some dental procedures. So, good luck with your pediatrician, and enjoy his sense of humor that can be expressed with hugs, smiles, a little giggling and love. With care.
