Yawning - excessive

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Yawning - excessive

Definition:

Yawning involves opening the mouth involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation of air, as from drowsiness or weariness.

Alternative Names:

Excessive yawning

Considerations:

Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction and may indicate a heart problem.

Normal yawning may be induced when the brain or lungs are not getting enough oxygen (or when someone else yawns).

Common Causes:

Drowsiness or weariness
Disorders associated with excessive daytime sleepiness
Vasovagal reaction
- Heart attack
- Aortic dissection

Home Care:

Follow prescribed treatment for dealing with the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if:

There is any unexplained and excessive yawning.
The yawning is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting excessive yawning in detail may include the following:

Time pattern
- When did the excessive yawning begin?
- How many yawns per hour or day?
- Is the yawning consistent throughout the day?
- Is it worse in the morning, after lunch, or during exercise?
- Is it worse in certain areas or certain rooms?
Does yawning interfere with normal activities?
Aggravating factors
- Is the increased yawning related to amount of sleep received?
- Is it related to use of medications?
- Is it related to activity level?
- Is it related to boredom?
Relieving factors
- What helps it?
- Does rest help?
- Does breathing deeply help?
Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- What medications are being taken?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed may include sleep studies.

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