Increased bronchial responsiveness caused by ingestion of ice.

We studied 7 asthmatics who had a history of symptoms exacerbated by ice-cold drinks. Bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine was measured before and after ingestion of 40 ml of ice or water at room temperature. Although there was no change in baseline peak flow, a significant increase in bronchial responsiveness to histamine developed by 90 min after the ingestion of ice. No satisfactory explanation could be found.