Use of constructs which bind to one or more natriuretic peptide receptors and include a plurality of amino acid residues and at least one amino acid surrogate of formula I: where R, R′, Q, Y, W, Z, J, x and n are as defined in the specification, and optionally at least one prosthetic group, for the prophylaxis or treatment of airway diseases, including but not limited to inflammation-related airway diseases, acute asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, methods of prophylaxis and treatment of airway diseases and pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for the prophylaxis or treatment of airway diseases.