We have investigated the effects of bolus administration of lignocaine 1.5 mg kg-1 i.v. on respiratory responses to airway irritation induced by instillation of distilled water into the trachea in 10 patients anaesthetized with enflurane (1.5% end-tidal). Before administration of lignocaine, airway irritation elicited not only the cough reflex, but also other respiratory reflexes such as expira...