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Yawning - excessive

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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 documenting excessive yawning in detail may include the following:

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include sleep studies.

Update Date: 1/18/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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