The effect of ice packs upon nasal mucosal blood flow

The effect on nasal mucosal blood flow of ice packs on the forehead and ice packs within the mouth was investigated in 16 healthy subjects. The laser Doppler flowmeter was used to record changes in blood flow to the inferior turbinate, as measured by change in the flux. Ice packs within the mouth produced a significant decrease in nasal mucosal blood flow (p less than 0.05). The average fall was 23% (SEM 5.9) compared with the control measurements. No significant change was recorded following the application of ice packs to the forehead. The results of this study question the scientific rationale behind the use of forehead ice packs in clinical practice.