US Patent 7947308 Effervescent powders for inhalation

Effervescent powders comprising inhalable particles are disclosed, as are methods for preparing these powders. The inhalable carrier particles comprise an inorganic or organic carbonate, and an acid, and exhibit effervescence when exposed to water or humid air. The particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter suitable for nasal, bronchial, or pulmonary administration. The inhalable particles may be used as carriers for active agents. The inhalable particles may also be used to enhance permeability of mucosal and surface barriers on an inner surface of the nose, mouth, airway, and/or lungs of a patient, as well as to loosen, thin, cleanse, and remove mucus and extrinsic surface materials from an inner surface of the nose, mouth, airway, and/or lungs of a patient in need thereof.