The invention described herein is directed to method of treating chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, comprising administering an effective amount of an osmolyteby at least one nasal cannula to a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a nasalcannula system for delivering an osmolyte, comprising a nebulizer and tubinghaving two ends, where the first end of the tubing is connected to the nebulizerand the second end of the tubing is tapered to fit in the nostril of a subject.