The Effects of Temperature on Lung Function

The evidence does not support long-term oxygenation as a functional explanation for the evolution of yawning

“…Collectively, these findings provide compelling support for the brain cooling hypothesis and are in contrast to what would be expected based on the airway hypothesis. Given the importance of ambient temperature on lung function [12], we can conclude that long-term oxygenation is not a main function of yawning.…”

“…While Doelman and Rijken do not address the literature on yawning and ambient temperature and how it relates to their own hypothesis, the existing literature on the relationship between ambient temperature and airway obstruction allows us to derive some basic predictions. In general, decreases in temperature are associated with diminished lung function [12]. Studies show that cold temperatures increase airway obstruction and acute exacerbation, and lead to an overall decline in lung function among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [13,14].…”