The present invention is directed to the discovery of the anti-inflammatory properties of basic amino salts of acetylcysteine when administered directly to the lungs and/or the nose. This observed inflammation reduction in the lungs and/or the nasal cavity is confirmed by the diminution of at least one of the following inflammatory markers IL_6 and IL_8 and/or the increase in the lungs and/or the nasal cavity of the anti-inflammatory markers IL_10. The present invention also discloses pharmaceutical compositions for pulmonary and/or nasal administration of basic amino salts of acetylcysteine characterised that they have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful to treat inflammatory lung and/or nasal conditions found in illnesses such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis and the like.