An in vivo method of selectively delivering a nucleic acid to a target gene or mRNA, comprises the topical administration, e.g. to the respiratory system, of a subject of a therapeutic amount of an oligonucleotide (oligo) that is anti-sense to a mRNA complementary to the gene in an amount effective to reach the target polynucleotide and reducing or inhibiting expression. The composition and formulations are used for prophylactic, preventive and therapeutic treatment of ailments associated with impaired respiration, lung allergy(ies) and/or inflammation and depletion lung surfactant or surfactant hypoproduction, such as pulmonary vasoconstriction, inflammation, allergies, allergic rhinitis, asthma, impeded respiration, lung pain, cystic fibrosis, bronchoconstriction. The treatment of this invention may be administered directly into the respiratory system of a subject so that the agent has direct access to the lungs, in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit the symptoms of the ailment.