Why Does Yawning Cause Tears? Eye Issues in Infants - Otolaryngology

Share to:

Yawning can cause tears to flow?


Dr.
Tsai: My daughter is over 3 months old.
A few days ago, her left eye started to have excessive tearing and mild inflammation, with occasional yellow discharge.
After taking her to the ophthalmologist and applying eye drops, her condition improved, but she still tears up when yawning.
What could be the cause of this?

Yaping, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/18

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology


1.
It is normal to tear up when yawning.

2.
Consult an ophthalmologist for other related issues.

Reply Date: 2004/08/18

More Info


Yawning is a natural physiological response that can lead to the production of tears, and this phenomenon can be particularly interesting when considering eye issues in infants. In your case, your daughter, who is just over three months old, is experiencing increased tear production and mild inflammation in her left eye, along with occasional yellow discharge. After visiting an ophthalmologist and receiving eye drops, her condition has improved, but she still experiences tearing when yawning.
To understand why yawning causes tears, we need to look at the anatomy and physiology of the eye. The act of yawning involves a wide opening of the mouth and a deep inhalation, which can lead to a stretching of the facial muscles, including those around the eyes. This stretching can stimulate the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production. Additionally, yawning often occurs when a person is tired or bored, which can also lead to dry eyes. The body compensates for this dryness by producing tears, resulting in the overflow that you observe.

In infants, the tear production system is still developing. It is not uncommon for babies to have issues with tear drainage due to the immaturity of their nasolacrimal duct, which is the pathway that drains tears from the eye into the nose. If this duct is blocked or not fully developed, tears can accumulate and lead to excessive tearing, which may be accompanied by mild inflammation or discharge, as you have described. The yellow discharge could indicate a mild infection or irritation, which is not unusual in infants.

In your daughter's case, the use of eye drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist likely helped to reduce inflammation and manage any potential infection. However, the continued tearing during yawning may be a result of her still-developing tear drainage system. As she grows, her nasolacrimal duct may mature, leading to a decrease in excessive tearing.

To address your concerns, here are some recommendations:
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on her symptoms. If the tearing persists or worsens, or if the discharge becomes more pronounced or changes in color, it is essential to follow up with your pediatric ophthalmologist.

2. Maintain Eye Hygiene: Gently clean the area around her eyes with a warm, damp cloth to remove any discharge. This can help prevent irritation and keep the area clean.

3. Consultation: If the tearing continues beyond the first year of life, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or persistent discharge, it may be worth consulting with a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation. They may recommend additional treatments or interventions if necessary.

4. Patience: Many infants experience similar issues with tearing, and in many cases, these problems resolve on their own as the child grows and their tear drainage system matures.

In conclusion, yawning can lead to tears due to the stimulation of the lacrimal glands, and in infants, excessive tearing can be attributed to the immaturity of the tear drainage system. With proper monitoring and care, your daughter's condition should improve as she grows. If you have any further concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Why Do I Tear Up When Yawning? Insights from an Eye Specialist

Director Ke: Why do I always tear up when I yawn? It happens every time.


Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Yawning stretches the facial muscles, which may stimulate the fifth cranial nerve, leading to a reflexive secretion of tears that helps to automatically wash the eyes. This is considered a normal phenomenon.

[Read More] Why Do I Tear Up When Yawning? Insights from an Eye Specialist


Why Yawning and Tears Occur During Eye Movements: Explained

When I perform eye rotation exercises, why do I yawn repeatedly and experience a runny nose and tears? Does this mean I am expelling waste gases from my body, or is it a sign of oxygen deficiency?


Dr. Wang Yuwei reply Ophthalmology
You are overthinking it.

[Read More] Why Yawning and Tears Occur During Eye Movements: Explained


Excessive Yawning and Tears: Is It Normal and How to Improve?

I would like to ask the doctor, even after getting enough sleep, I still find myself yawning excessively and tearing up, to the point where I can yawn 5 to 6 times in a row, and my mask gets wet from the tears. Is this normal? Are there ways to improve this? It is starting to aff...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Essentially, the physiological mechanisms behind yawning are not yet fully understood in the medical field. It may be triggered by insufficient cerebral blood circulation or the accumulation of carbon dioxide, prompting yawning to expel carbon dioxide and inhale...

[Read More] Excessive Yawning and Tears: Is It Normal and How to Improve?


Common Eye Issues: Tears While Sleeping and Allergies Explained

1Q: I find that I unconsciously tear up while sleeping, which leaves me feeling like I have dried eye discharge stuck at the corners of my eyes when I wake up. 2Q: I have an allergic constitution, and my eyes are often red and itchy. I'm not sure what to do about it. 3Q:...


Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
When we sleep, our eyes do not blink, causing tears to flow slightly, which then dries and forms eye discharge. For eye allergies, one can try ice packs or eye drops. Individuals without myopia may develop varying degrees of myopia as they age due to cataracts.

[Read More] Common Eye Issues: Tears While Sleeping and Allergies Explained


Related FAQ

Dry Eye Syndrome

(Ophthalmology)

Tear Ducts

(Ophthalmology)

Dry Eye Discomfort

(Ophthalmology)

Pupil Dilation

(Ophthalmology)

Involuntary Eye Movement

(Ophthalmology)

Eye Fatigue

(Ophthalmology)

Blinking

(Ophthalmology)

Allergy

(Otolaryngology)

Eyelid Twitching

(Neurology)

Allergic Conjunctivitis

(Ophthalmology)