Inhibitory effects of landiolol and nicardipine on thiopental-induced yawning in humans

Yawning and airway physiology: a scoping review and novel hypothesis

Background and purpose

Yawning is a stereotypical complex muscular movement and is commonly executed by most vertebrates. In seconds, the entire airway is fully dilated and surrounding muscles are powerfully stretched, most prominently around the pharynx. To date, yawning has been rarely studied, and as of yet there is no consensus on its main function.

Material and methods

To investigate a mechanical airway function for yawning, a literature search was conducted to relate the frequency of yawning and obstructive airway conditions.

Results

The results show that changes in obstructive airway conditions and alteration of the frequency of yawning are temporally related.

Interpretation

These relationships, however, cannot be interpreted as causal, nor can they be extrapolated to explain the function of yawning. Yet airway management and yawning share many physiological characteristics. We therefore propose a novel hypotheses: yawning plays a significant role in airway physiology by muscle repositioning and widening the airway lumen, thereby securing long-term oxygenation.

Propranolol in yawning prophylaxis: a case report

OBJECTIVE

Yawning is a frequent behavior with circadian effects. Sometimes, its frequency is very high and it is disturbing. However, there is no evidence-based treatment for yawning.

METHOD

This is a case report of a man with severe yawning from about 2 years ago.

RESULTS

Yawning reduced after taking propranolol.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that propranolol may decrease yawning through its thermoregulation effect. It is worthwhile conducting controlled clinical trials to study whether propranolol is an effective treatment for yawning.