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Yawning - excessive

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Excessive yawning

Definition    Return to top

Yawning involves opening the mouth involuntarily while taking a long, deep breath of air. This is usually done as a result of drowsiness or weariness. Excessive yawning is yawning that happens more often than would be expected, even if drowsiness or weariness is present.

Considerations    Return to top

Yawning is a normal response to fatigue and drowsiness, but excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction. This reaction is caused by the action of a nerve, called the vagus nerve, on the blood vessels. It may indicate a heart problem.

Normal yawning may happen when someone else yawns.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Follow the treatment for the underlying cause.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

The health care provider will get your medical history and do a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include sleep studies.

References    Return to top

Hermanowicz N. Cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 13.

LeWinter MM. Pencardial diseases. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 70.

Update Date: 2/22/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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