A case report in 2008 told how a 56-year-old man would faint after giggling The NHS recognises that standing up is one of the major causes of fainting Having a large bowel movement has also been known to make people faint Just the prospect of fainting fills most of us with dread. Not only is it a source of embarrassment if it happens in public, but it can be dangerous if it happens at the wrong time. But you should know that it isn't just caused by not eating or drinking, extremely hot weather and intense pain. In fact, there are some surprising things that could leave you collapsed on the floor. 1. STANDING UP Don't stand up too quickly - you might faint. Gravity pulls blood down into the legs when you get up from your chair, causing a significant drop in blood pressure. This helps to stabilise blood pressure, according to the NHS. However, in some cases this reaction doesn't occur, causing a disrupted supply of blood to the brain. 2. GOING TO THE TOILET Going to the toilet: It doesn't matter why you're going as both a number one and a number two can cause you to faint It doesn't matter whether you're going for a number one or a number two, you're at equal risk. Micturition syncope is the medical term for it occuring during urination - but experts aren't sure on what causes it. Some believe it is down to the speedy relief given to the bladder which opens blood vessels up. While in the case of the more personal toilet necessity, extra strain can cause a vasovagal attack. Having a particularly large bowel movement can cause the vagus nerve - which runs from the brain to the abdomen - to become overstimulated. This directs blood away from the brain, leaving people at risk of losing consciousness. 3. LAUGHING A recent case report told the tale of a 56-year-old obese man who would often faint following a burst of laughter You may think a little episode of the giggles is harmless. But is it? A case report in 2008 told the tale of a 56-year-old obese man who would often faint following a burst of laughter. But experts warn this form, caused by the airways being closed off as a result of laughing, is rare. 4. COUGHING Having a violent cough does leave you at an increased risk of fainting, according to experts Don't worry if you've just got a little tickle at the back of your throat - you're not in danger. But having a violent cough does leave you at an increased risk of fainting, according to researchers. A report published in Respiratory Medicine stated that several hundred of these cases have come to light. It is believed to be caused by sudden changes in blood pressure around the lung, diverting it away from the brain. Source
