THE SURPRISING THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL FAINT

COUGHING. Research published in journal Respiratory Medicine said several hundred cases of fainting occurred as a result of coughing. It is believed to have been caused by sudden changes in blood pressure around the lung, diverting blood away from the brain.

A TRIP to the loo. Micturition syncope is the medical term for fainting during urination. Some experts believe it is down to speedy relief given to the bladder which opens blood vessels up and lowers blood pressure.

A large bowel movement can also cause the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen, to become overstimulated. This directs blood from the brain, risking unconsciousness.

LAUGHING. In 2008, an obese man was reported to faint when he laughed. But experts say this, caused by the airways being closed off, is rare.