Nasal delivery method

Abstract

A delivery device ( 20, 22 ) for and a method of delivering a substance to the nasal airway ( 1 ) of a subject, in particular the posterior region of the nasal airway, the delivery device comprising: a closure unit for causing the closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and a delivery unit for delivering a gas flow entraining a substance to one of the nostrils of the subject at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other nostril of the subject, wherein the delivery unit comprises a nosepiece ( 30, 40, 58, 82, 102, 132 ) which includes an outlet through which the gas flow is in use delivered to the one nostril and a sealing member for sealing the one nostril to the outlet such as in use to prevent the escape of the gas flow through the one nostril.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method of irrigating the nasal airway of a subject, comprising:
 sealing a first nostril of a subject to an outlet of a delivery unit;   closing the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and   delivering an irrigating agent through the outlet of the delivery unit at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the other, second nostril of the subject.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 sealing the second nostril of the subject to the outlet of the delivery unit;   closing the oropharyngeal velum of the subject; and   delivering an irrigating agent through the outlet of the delivery unit at such a driving pressure as to flow around the posterior margin of the nasal septum and out of the first nostril of the subject.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the velum closure is provided by exhalation by the subject. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the irrigating agent is delivered in an exhalation flow. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the irrigating agent is delivered by actuation of a supply unit. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the supply unit is actuated by the exhalation flow of the subject. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising:
 providing a flow resistance to the nasal airway of the subject so as to maintain a dynamic positive pressure in the nasal airway of the subject.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the dynamic positive pressure is of sufficient magnitude as to force open at least one of the auditory tubes or the sinus tubes. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the dynamic positive pressure is at least 5 cm H 2 O. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the dynamic positive pressure is at least 50 cm H 2 O. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , further comprising:
 providing at least one of a visual or an audible signal when a predetermined dynamic positive pressure is achieved in the nasal airway of the subject.   
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the irrigating agent comprises a liquid. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the irrigating agent comprises saline. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the irrigating agent contains oils or herbs. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the irrigating agent is delivered in combination with a cleansing agent. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 35 , in the treatment of nasal inflammation. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 35 , in the treatment of rhinitis. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 35 , in the treatment of nasal polyps. 
     
     
         53 . The method of claim  1 , in the treatment of hypertrophic adenoids. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 35 , in the treatment of secretory otitis media. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 35 , in the treatment of reduced olfaction.