The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders of the lower airways, comprising administering an effective amount of an agent, which modulates the expression and/or activity of a proinflammatory cytokine or fragment thereof, preferably in a human. The proinflammatory cytokine contemplated by the invention includes IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. The present invention describes a kit comprising a delivery device and a pharmaceutical composition for administration of the agent. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one proinflammatory cytokine inhibitor, optionally one or more additional active ingredients, and at least one pharmaceutically active carrier. The delivery device further comprises a nebulizer, an inhaler, a powder dispenser, an intrapulmonary aerosolizer and a sub-miniature aerosolizer.