A 55-year-old retired police officer in Kaohsiung tragically collapsed and died after yawning while visiting a friend at a convenience store, sparking public concern. Dr. Huang Xuan warns that while yawning is a common physiological response, frequent yawning—especially when accompanied by dizziness, chest discomfort, palpitations, or weakness in the limbs—could signal underlying health issues.
Dr. Huang explained on Facebook that yawning is essentially an automatic brain-regulating response. When the brain needs to cool down, oxygen levels are imbalanced, or neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, or acetylcholine are abnormal, yawning acts as a “reset button,” temporarily restoring balance. Thus, yawning is not just a sign of tiredness or boredom—it can sometimes serve as an important health warning.
He categorized four main types of conditions that may cause excessive yawning:
- Neurological Disorders: Stroke (especially affecting the medulla or pons), multiple sclerosis, and some cases of epilepsy or migraines can present early signs as repeated yawning.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart attacks or angina may trigger abnormal yawning due to vagus nerve stimulation. In some cases, patients with aortic dissection report frequent yawning before the event.
- Liver and Metabolic Conditions: Patients with hepatitis or liver cirrhosis often feel fatigued and yawn more. Diabetics with low blood sugar may also yawn excessively due to insufficient brain energy.
- Medication Side Effects and Mental Health Issues: Certain antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or sertraline) can induce frequent yawning, while anxiety or depression—due to imbalances in serotonin or dopamine—may also cause similar symptoms.
Dr. Huang emphasized that while yawning is usually normal, it should not be dismissed as simply “being sleepy.” If accompanied by dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, or weakness, it could indicate serious health problems ranging from neurological and heart conditions to metabolic or psychiatric issues. He urges the public to seek medical attention promptly if they notice unusual yawning, to avoid missing the critical window for treatment.
