The present discovery pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present discovery pertains to a particular 1-di-alkyl-phosphinoyl-alkane, 1-(Diisopropyl-phosphinoyl)-nonane, referred to herein as “DIPA-1-9”. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, DIPA-1-9, is able to selectively treat (e.g., suppress) sensory discomfort arising from the lumenal epithelial lining of the pharynx and esophagus without side effects. Compared to structurally similar compounds, DIPA-1-9 did not have the problems of painful cold, stinging, or irritancy, or of adverse taste when applied in the oral cavity. To deliver the DIPA-1-9 to the lumenal epithelium of the pharynx and esophagus, an ideal formulation for delivery is a solution of DIPA-1-9 in syrup, at a concentration of 5 to 12 mg/mL and a delivery volume of less than 1 mL. The delivery unit can be a plastic vial with a design such that the syrup is poured onto the base of the tongue, next to the pillars of fauces. The DIPA-1-9 then reaches the nerve endings at the base of the epithelia and transduces signals of coolness and cold. Cooling of the pharyngeal and esophageal lining relieves discomfort and is useful for conditions such as throat irritation, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, cough, chronic cough, heartburn, chest pain, and esophagitis. Moreover, the elicitation of cooling in the pharynx and esophagus can be utilized to treat dysphagia, dyspepsia, and dyspnoea, and to enhance mucus expectoration in inflammatory airway disorders such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (which includes bronchitis and bronchiectasis). A particularly preferred embodiment is DIPA-1-9 dissolved in a syrup vehicle in a delivery unit volume of less than 1 mL.
