Inhalacj

Inhalacj, often written inhalacja in Polish contexts, refers to the act of delivering substances into the respiratory tract by breathing them in. In medical use, inhalation therapy disperses drugs or other agents as an aerosol or dry powder that is inhaled through the mouth or nose, aiming for rapid local action in the lungs with limited systemic exposure.

Common devices used for inhalation include nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers. Nebulizers convert liquid medicines into a fine aerosol; MDIs release a measured dose of aerosol; DPIs and soft mist inhalers deliver powders or fine mist. Spacer or mouthpiece devices, and proper technique, can improve the amount of drug that reaches the lungs.

Therapeutic inhalation is used for respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis, among others. Drugs delivered by inhalation include bronchodilators (short-acting and long-acting beta-agonists), anticholinergics, inhaled corticosteroids, and combination therapies (e.g., ICS/LABA). Antibiotics or mucolytics may be given via inhalation in certain diseases. Recreational inhalation of solvents or nitrous oxide carries significant health risks and is not a medical practice.

Advantages of inhalation therapy include high local drug concentration in the lungs, rapid onset, and reduced systemic exposure. Limitations include dependence on patient technique, potential device misuse, and adherence challenges. Safety considerations include rinsing the mouth after inhaled corticosteroids to reduce oropharyngeal candidiasis and regular cleaning of inhalation devices. Historically, the development of inhalers and nebulizers in the 20th century broadened access to inhalation therapies.