| abstract |
Methods, compositions and apparatus for administering active agents to the lungs of a subject. A method of enhancing mucus clearance from the lungs of a subject in need thereof, comprising: administering an osmolyte to airway surfaces of the lungs of said subject in an amount (i) sufficient to hydrate said lung airway mucus secretions and (ii) insufficient to substantially dehydrate lung airway epithelial cells there beneath, said administering step being carried out and for a time sufficient to enhance mucus clearance from the lungs of said subject. In some embodiments, the administering step is carried out by administering said subject an aerosol comprising said osmolyte such as saline or hypertonic saline. |