Gape

Gape is a term used in medicine and veterinary medicine to describe the act of opening the mouth wide. It is often used to refer to a symptom of certain diseases in animals, particularly birds.

Definition

In medical terms, gape refers to the act of opening the mouth wide. This can be a voluntary action, such as when yawning, or it can be involuntary, such as when experiencing a medical condition that affects the muscles of the mouth and jaw.

In Animals

In animals, particularly birds, gape is often used to describe a symptom of certain diseases. For example, in birds, gape is a common symptom of gapeworm infection. Gapeworms are parasitic worms that live in the trachea of birds, causing them to open their mouths wide in an attempt to breathe. This is often accompanied by a characteristic "gaping" cough.

In Humans

In humans, gape can be a symptom of various medical conditions. For example, it can be a sign of lockjaw, a condition in which the jaw muscles spasm and cause the mouth to stay open. It can also be a symptom of Bell's palsy, a condition that causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face.

Treatment

Treatment for gape depends on the underlying cause. In animals, treatment for gapeworm infection typically involves antiparasitic medication. In humans, treatment for conditions that cause gape may involve medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.

See Also

• Gapeworm
• Lockjaw
• Bell's palsy

Gape Resources
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