Which type of anesthetic is commonly delivered through inhalation?

Volatile agents are a class of anesthetics that are primarily delivered through inhalation. These agents are gaseous at room temperature and can easily be vaporized, allowing them to be mixed with oxygen and administered to patients via inhalation. This delivery method allows for rapid adjustment of anesthetic depth and provides effective anesthetic effects during procedures, such as surgeries.

The use of volatile agents is critical in maintaining anesthesia as they can quickly diffuse into the bloodstream and be eliminated, making it easier to titrate the patient’s anesthetic needs in real-time. Their inhalational delivery also allows for a high degree of control over the patient's level of consciousness and analgesia during the surgical procedure.

In contrast, local anesthetics are typically administered through injection or topical application to block nerve conduction in a specific area, rather than through inhalation. Topical anesthetics are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes to relieve localized pain, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and inflammation, generally taken orally or through other non-inhalational routes. Thus, the unique method of administration and functional properties of volatile agents make them the correct choice for this question.