Aerosol delivery of nucleic acids to the lungs using viral vectors, polymers, surfactants, or excipients has been described. Compositions for intranasal administration are described that contain nucleic acids without viral or plasmid vectors and with little to no polymers, surfactants, or excipients. In one embodiment, the composition for intranasal delivery consists essentially of at least one nucleic acid and an aqueous solution. Suitable nucleic acids for intranasal delivery include, but are not limited to, dsDNA, dsRNA, ssDNA, ssRNA, short interfering RNA, micro-RNA, and antisense RNA Methods for treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of at least one symptom or manifestation of a lung disease are also described consisting of administration by intranasal delivery an effective amount of a composition containing a nucleic acid. The composition may be formulated as a liquid or aerosol or other acceptable formulation for intranasal administration.