Patients suffering from rhinitis and rhinosinusitis often experience symptoms such as
nasal discharge, congestion, sniffles, and excess
phlegm secretion. These symptoms can cause a feeling of impaired
airflow, loss of patency, and uncomfortable
breathing. In this context, a treatment method is proposed to alleviate these
signs and symptoms. The
drug target is the TRPM8
receptor on nerve fibers of the ostiomeatal complex. The
active ingredient, a TRPM8
agonist, is delivered using an electronically controlled
nebulizer that produces a vigorous air plume of defined particle sizes, which prevents entry into the lungs. The quantity of
phlegm expelled from the
nasal passage is used as an index of anti-inflammatory effectiveness. The optimized
drug candidates for delivery and therapy are from a group of p-menthanecarboxamides. Preferred embodiments of these include the p-menthane
amino acid esters: GlyOnPr, GlyOiPr, D-Ala-OnPr, and D-Ala-OiPr, delivered as a
liquid suspension or solution at 0.1 to 1% (1 to 10 mg / mL), 0.5 to 0.8 mL per
nostril over 3 to 5 seconds, using a
nebulizer. This
regimen, administered three times per day for three to five days, will help the patient manage and control their
nasal congestion and
phlegm secretion, and sleep better at night. The preferred embodiments delivered into the
nasal cavity create a sense of cool
breathing, refreshing coolness, and a feeling of negative
heat flux, like an air conditioner in the
nose. The
secretion of phlegm is clearly decreased, as measured with a top-loading balance. This
pharmacological treatment for patients with
nasal inflammation has the potential to alter the course of rhino-disorders permanently.