What does inhalation refer to in medical terms?

Inhalation in medical terms refers specifically to the process of breathing in medication, which is often delivered through droplets or mist. This method is commonly used for respiratory conditions, where medication needs to act directly on the lungs and airways. By inhaling medication, it can achieve a rapid onset of action as it quickly enters the bloodstream through the lung tissue, allowing for efficient treatment of conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The other methods mentioned, such as swallowing, injecting, or topical application, are distinct routes of administration that do not involve the respiratory system and therefore do not fit the definition of inhalation. Each of these methods serves a unique purpose in delivering medications to specific areas of the body, but they do not utilize the inhalation process.