The term inhalation is used to mean the introduction of mineral water or its gaseous components into the respiratory tract using special equipment that atomises the water into very small particles. The inhalation treatments can be distinguished into humid inhalations and dry inhalations depending on whether thermal water atomisation is carried out with water vapour or pressurised air. The main types of inhalation treatments are nebulisation therapy, inhalation, aerosol therapy, humages and insufflation.

Specific equipment is used for humid-hot inhalations in order to allow the active agents contained in the thermal water to come into contact with the respiratory system (high and low tracts) and the middle ear.

As with other thermal treatments, the therapeutic purpose is conditioned by many factors including water temperature and pressure, the dimension of the water particles, the type of instruments used and its technological features as well as the chemical co mposition of the thermal water used.

The instruments used allow for a more or less high level of breaking down of the thermal water particles which the patient must inhale. This is of great importance insofar as only the heavily micronised particles can reach the thinner and more peripheral bronchial branches.

Once water vapour of the required temperature and density has been obtained, it is inhaled through the mouth and/or nose using specific mouthpieces or masks.