Constant yawning and shortness of breath
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Summary
3 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that constant yawning and shortness of breath may be related to anxiety, chronic disease, abnormal thermoregulation, or long COVID.
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Constant Yawning and Shortness of Breath: Insights from Recent Research
Pathological Yawning and Anxiety Disorders
Yawning and Anxiety: Excessive yawning can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including neurological, psychiatric, infectious, gastrointestinal, or metabolic diseases. One study highlights a case where a female patient with generalized anxiety disorder experienced excessive yawning while on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. This patient also reported symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and loss of energy, which were initially attributed to her psychiatric condition and anemia. However, further investigation revealed that she had endometrial carcinoma, illustrating how medical stigmatisation can lead to misdiagnosis.
Excessive Yawning and Thermoregulatory Dysfunction
Thermoregulation and Yawning: Another study discusses the relationship between excessive yawning and thermoregulatory dysfunction. It is suggested that yawning may be a mechanism to cool the brain, with evidence showing that nasal breathing can reduce brain temperature. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and migraine headaches, which are associated with temperature regulation issues, have also been linked to excessive yawning. Additionally, drugs that affect brain temperature can influence yawning frequency, with hyperthermic drugs increasing yawning and hypothermic drugs reducing it.
Dysfunctional Breathing in Long COVID-19
Long COVID and Breathing Issues: Dysfunctional breathing is a recognized symptom in patients recovering from COVID-19. A prospective case series of 48 patients with long COVID-19 revealed that many experienced symptoms such as hyperventilation, periodic deep sighs, and erratic breathing patterns. Notably, 46.2% of these patients reported frequent yawning. Despite normal pulmonary function tests, these patients had a high burden of symptoms, including shortness of breath, palpitations, and an inability to breathe deeply, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Conclusion
Constant yawning and shortness of breath can be indicative of various underlying conditions, ranging from anxiety disorders and thermoregulatory dysfunction to long COVID-19. It is crucial for healthcare providers to consider these potential causes and conduct thorough investigations to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.
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