inhalación

Inhalation refers to the process of drawing air into the lungs, a fundamental physiological function essential for respiration and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. This action is involuntary in most mammals, including humans, and is primarily controlled by the respiratory center in the brainstem, which regulates breathing rate and depth based on blood gas levels, particularly carbon dioxide concentrations.

The inhalation process begins when the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs, contracts and flattens. This contraction increases the volume of the thoracic cavity, reducing internal pressure relative to the external environment. As a result, air is drawn into the lungs through the nasal passages or mouth, passing through the pharynx, larynx, and trachea before reaching the bronchi and bronchioles, which distribute it to the alveoli—tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs.

Inhalation can also refer to the deliberate act of breathing in substances, such as vapors, fumes, or smoke, either for therapeutic, recreational, or harmful purposes. Medically, inhalation therapy is used to deliver medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids directly to the lungs to treat conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conversely, inhaling harmful substances, such as tobacco smoke or volatile chemicals, can cause significant respiratory damage, including lung disease, cancer, or acute poisoning.

Proper breathing techniques, including controlled inhalation and exhalation, are often emphasized in practices like yoga, meditation, and physical training to improve oxygen utilization, reduce stress, and enhance performance. Conversely, irregular or shallow breathing may indicate underlying health issues, such as anxiety disorders or respiratory diseases, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.