The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-03
GAPING AND SNEEZING.
An Old Prnctitioncr Tells of Their
Causes and Possible Effects.

Gaping is a physiological act, partly vol
untary, the purpose of which is to re-
new the air in the lungs more completely
than is done by ordinary respiration. First,
there is a slow and deep Inspiration. fol-
lowed by an equally prolonged and some
times jerky expiration. Gaping is almost al
ways accompanied with stretching and ex-
tension of the limbs as we'll as n greater
or lesser amount of increase of the secre-
ton of tears and saliva. The separation of
the jaws is always most marked in gap
ing. and it is wise to moderate it by the
will, or by the mind, if one wishes TO
avoid dislocating the jaw, not an uncom-
mon occurrence as the result of gaping.
In such a case the mouth remains open.
the jaw being immovable; the cheeks are
sunken and the chin projects forward, the
saliva running out. while swallowing and
talking are almost impossible. To reduce
the dislocation the operator wraps cloth
around both thumbs and introduces them
as far back as possible. one resting against
each side of the jaw. The fingers grasp the
jaw under the chin. completely encircling
it. and the jaw is then pushed downwards
and backwards. Not the least important
precaution. as far as the operator is con-
cerned, is knowing how to get the thumbs
out quick enough to avoid being bitten, as
the jaws come together with a snap like a
trap.
TIL most common causes of gaping are
ernui, fatigue, hunger and need of sleep,
yet 1t is often symptomatic of various dis
eases. Whenever nature has need of has
tening respiration she provokes this spas
modic act. but it may become a morbid
act. 1t is often an involuntary symptom of
difficult digestion and nervous dyspepsia:
in fact, it is the frequent companion of
nervous disorders. In epilepsy 1t announces
the beginning and the end of a crisis, and
in hysteria it is almost as common as hic-
cough.
Several years ago there was an hysterical
patient at the Salpetriere. i'm Paris, seven
teen years of age, who gaped more than
1900 times a day, but such cases are phe-
nomenal and indicate serious nervous dis
ease. In chlorosis and anemia gaping is of
frequent occurrence, but it is often attrib-
uted to laziness. In reality, in these cases,
gaping is an Indication of poor blood which
is in need of oxygen. nature suggesting
gaping as one method Of obtaining an extra
supply of this vital gas. 1t is, so to
speak, a final appeal to the respiratory
SNSNttu, III HtdIl lHEOWluB OH II restraint
of the will power and calling upon the lungs
for aid.
Imitation. too. has a great influence in
causing gaping, an influence which extends
even to animals, as. for instance. a dog
seeing his master cape will usually cape in
his turn. In some cases an imitation of the
opening of the jaws by slowly opening and
closing the fingers. or a pair Of scissors.
will male n c1ScanfihIa - ooD, o-1
strange to say, it requires great strength
of will to resist the temptation to initiate
others in gaping.
Sometimes it is useful to induce gaping
either by the method of imitation or auto
suggestion. DR.. Naegeli has demonstrated
that gaping is actually beneficial, if not
curative. in certain affections of the throat.
congestion of the eustachian tube accom-
panied by earache and difficulty in hearing.
~pharyngitis, etc. During the act of gaping
there is considerable movement or extend
sion of all the muscles of the pharynx and
throat, and these movements, caused by
gaping. act as a sort Of massage of the
muscles. which are thus stimulated to
greater energy and cause the removal of
secretions blocking the various passages.
For this reason. at the beginning of an al
tack of sore throat, a series of successive
gapes will often remove. or relieve. at
least, various pains, principally those of the
ear. Many persons subject TO affections of
the throat have learned by experience or
~instinctively that frequent gaping will
often check the disease and cause acute
symptoms TO disappear.
Signing is often a symptom Of disease.
but not always so. Other things being
equal. nervous persons sigh more than
others, and IL is a sign of nervous exhaus-
ton or excitement in such cases. II fs-in
fact. a degree of Inconsistencies, so TO
speak. in which the person forgets to
breathe and an extra breath has TO be
taken after a certain interval 10 make up
for lack of fresh air inhaled. In other
cases signing is a sign of mental perturba-
ton, excessive worry and physical exhaus-
ton Signing Is not, however, always in
significant as a symptom of disease. In
certain diseases it is an important factor.
In certain forms of heart disease, for ex-
ample. signing usually portends a fatal
termination from heart failure. but IL may
continue many hours and even for months.
Signing also occurs in meningitis and in
certain forms of kidney disease, and some
times during any state of deep unconscious
ness.
Snoring is not usually considered a sign of
disease. IL is usually looked upon as a
Gisagreeable habit and may be stopped by
Hanging the position in bed TO one on the
! side instead OF on the back. 1t Is due in