Methods for treating rhinitis and conjunctivitis

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and kits for treating symptoms associated with common ailments, such as headaches, rhinitis, asthma, epilepsy, nervous disorders and the like, are provided. The apparatus comprises dispensers for carbon dioxide other therapeutic gases. The methods comprise delivering small volumes of these gases to patients in a manner where the gas infuses into a body region in order to bathe the mucous membranes therein. It has been found that even very short exposure of patients to small volumes and high concentrations of such gases can provide significant relief from symptoms.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 : A device for treating rhinitis or conjunctivitis comprising:
 a hand-held, multi-dose dispenser, the dispenser comprising a carbon dioxide cartridge having a therapeutic dosage of carbon dioxide therein, a nosepiece, and a flow regulator, the flow regulator comprising a flow-controlling orifice, the flow regulator configured to repeatedly control the flow of carbon dioxide from the cartridge at a rate from 1 cc/sec to 20 cc/sec.   
     
     
         12 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the dispenser is a two-piece dispenser. 
     
     
         13 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the dispenser is a one-piece dispenser. 
     
     
         14 : The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a pressure regulator. 
     
     
         15 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the gas comprises at least 50% carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         16 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the gas comprises at least 70% carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         17 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the gas comprises at least 95% carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         18 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the gas comprises substantially pure carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         19 : The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a seal adjacent to the carbon dioxide cartridge. 
     
     
         20 : The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a needle configured to pierce the carbon dioxide cartridge. 
     
     
         21 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the nosepiece is rotatable. 
     
     
         22 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the nosepiece, cartridge, and flow regulator, are in axial alignment. 
     
     
         23 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the nosepiece is tapered. 
     
     
         24 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the flow rate is selectable by a user of the device. 
     
     
         25 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the cartridge is replaceable. 
     
     
         26 : The device of  claim 11 , wherein the therapeutic dosage is accomplished at a duration of 2-30 seconds per nostril.