What was this and should she get checked out?

[yougetme]

Out with a friend the other night .We had just 1 small glass of wine over a long time so not really alcohol related.

I told a funny story which made my friend laugh. When she laughs she coughs.Always has done. Goes red in the face and tears stream down her face.Coughing and laughing away she dropped her chin on her chest and sort of ....stopped. Eyes closed and apparently not breathing.

I waited for a couple of seconds to see if she would catch her breath and get going again but she just was competely still.
I jumped up and with another friend lifted her arms. Other friend banged her back -although she wasnt choking at all.

After another couple of seconds she opened her eyes and carried on as before. She wasnt distressed at all by this and was bemused by my concern.

Im scared to be alone with her now . If it happens again what could I do for the best or will she simply 'wake up' by herself?

Erm yeah she needs to see someone about that - it sounds very worrying. Maybe some sort of fit?

It sounds like she had a petit mal fit. These can be caused by hyperventilation which your friend was doing with the laughing and coughing.

Regardless she should be advised to see a GP. They can test her out just by doing a simple breathing test or send her for an EEG if they are concerned. Always a good idea to get checked just in case there are any nasties lurking about.

Yes! She needs to see her gp.

As for if it happens again, i would get her on the floor, make sure her airway is clear and recovery position if she's breathing, 999 if she isn't

Not sure if its a fit though, i think you're just meant to make sure she is safe and can't injure herself, no restraint

Gosh yes. I used to stop breathing when laughing as a child. Turns out it was asthma. But whatever the reason it's obviously not right and definitely needs to see her doctor.

Thank you for the replies. Someone else suggested asthma to her before this happened and for her to get checked out but she dismissed it .

Ill get on to her family - they'll put the strong arm on her to see the GP.