Inhalation Therapy

Patients with both acute and chronic respiratory diseases often require drugs that are administered through aerosols. To obtain the expected results, inhalation therapy must be carried out correctly. Inhalation therapy must consider pharmacology, anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology, as well as physical, chemical, and mathematical principles for appropriate delivery. The correct distribution of the drug to the airway also depends on the technique used and the selection of the most appropriate device for each patient, considering their age, diagnosis, and cognitive and motor skills. Particles are deposited in the airway mainly by inertial impaction, gravitational sedimentation, and diffusion. Deposition will depend on aerosol, equipment, and patient factors. Inhalation therapy must be recommended on the basis of the clinical situation and needs constant supervision. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.