Inhaleerimine

Inhaleerimine (in English, inhalation) is the process of drawing air into the lungs as part of respiration. In medical contexts, it commonly refers to delivering medications through the inhaled route to act directly on the respiratory tract.

During quiet inhalation, the diaphragm lowers and the chest expands, creating negative pressure that draws air through the nose or mouth into the trachea, bronchi, and finally the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. Exhalation is usually passive as the muscles relax.

Inhalation therapies use devices to deliver drugs or moisture to the lungs. Common delivery systems include metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), soft mist inhalers, and nebulizers. Effective deposition of inhaled drugs depends on particle size, typically in the 1–5 micrometer range for reaching the lower airways. Spacers or chamber devices can improve dose accuracy for some inhalers.

Benefits include rapid onset and high local drug concentrations with reduced systemic exposure. Limitations include variability in dose due to technique, dependence on patient cooperation, and the need for device-specific instructions. Safety considerations include local irritation, coughing, and infection risk with improperly cleaned nebulizers.

Inhaleerimine is also used for non-medical purposes such as steam inhalation, although medical inhalation therapy relies on regulated devices and formulations. See also respiration, inhalation therapy, aerosol therapy.