The present application provides methods of treating and preventing infections in the lung, such as Pseudomonas infections, comprising administering substantially non-anticoagulant 2-0, 2-0 desulfated heparin (ODSH) to subjects suffering from, or at risk for, chronic or acute pulmonary infections. ODSH can be administered alone or in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents, such as anti-microbial or antibiotic agents, mucolytic agents, DNases, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory agents. Also, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms of ODSH, optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents, for use in the disclosed methods.
