What is one primary difference between inhaled and systemic medications in respiratory treatment?

Inhaled medications are designed to deliver therapeutic agents directly to the respiratory system, which allows for localized treatment of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This targeted administration method maximizes the concentration of the medication in the lungs while minimizing systemic exposure, which can reduce the risk of side effects.

In contrast, systemic medications are distributed throughout the entire body after administration, which often leads to a broader range of effects and potential side effects. While they may indirectly benefit respiratory conditions, they do not specifically target the lungs in the way inhaled medications do.

The focused nature of inhaled medications results in a quicker onset of action at the site of need, providing immediate relief for respiratory symptoms, which is why this distinction is fundamental when considering treatment plans for respiratory conditions.