A health practitioner, Wiafe Akenteng, has cautioned the public against excessive laughter, warning that while laughter is generally considered beneficial to human health, uncontrolled and prolonged bouts of laughter can have serious health consequences and, in rare cases, prove fatal.

Speaking during the MaxFM Morning Dew Proffessor. Akenteng explained that excessive laughter can place significant strain on the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems, particularly among individuals with underlying medical conditions.

According to him, although laughter helps reduce stress, improve mood, and promote social bonding, it should not be assumed to be entirely harmless under all circumstances.

He noted that extreme laughter may trigger breathing difficulties, fainting spells, heart-related complications, and other medical emergencies in vulnerable individuals.

The professor urged the public to pay attention to their health status and seek medical advice if they experience unusual symptoms during or after prolonged episodes of laughter.

“People often say laughter is the best medicine, and that is true to some extent. However, anything done excessively can have consequences.

There have been rare instances where excessive laughter has led to serious health complications,” he stated.

Prof. Akenteng further called on health professionals and educators to intensify public awareness about maintaining a balanced lifestyle and understanding the potential risks associated with extreme emotional reactions.

His comments have sparked discussions, with many people expressing surprise that something as common as laughter could, in exceptional circumstances, pose a threat to human health.

Health experts generally agree that laughter offers numerous benefits but advise individuals with existing heart, respiratory, or neurological conditions to be mindful of prolonged episodes of intense laughter.