For people with asthma or chronic lung disease, Ramadan often presents a crucial question: does using an inhaler while fasting invalidate the fast? This concern often makes patients hesitant to use their medication during the day. In fact, many reduce the dosage or stop therapy without first consulting their doctor.
However, maintaining stable breathing during fasting is crucial to prevent relapses. Asthma attacks can occur suddenly, especially when the body is tired, dehydrated, or exposed to triggers such as dust and cold air. If left untreated, this condition can interfere with activities and pose a risk of death.
Does an Inhaler Break the Fast?
Medically, inhalers work by delivering medication directly into the respiratory tract in the form of fine particles mixed with air. This medication works to relieve narrowed airways and reduce inflammation. Inhalers are not food or drink, and are not intended to provide nutritional support.
In contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, the use of inhalers is generally considered not to invalidate the fast because the medication enters the body through the respiratory tract, not the digestive tract. Furthermore, their use is therapeutic and often necessary in emergencies.
However, there are indeed differing views among religious scholars. Therefore, patients are advised to consult not only with doctors but also with religious leaders for greater peace and confidence in performing their religious duties.
Why Do Many Patients Hesitate to Use Inhalers While Fasting?
During Ramadan, some patients continue to fast by adjusting their inhaler schedules for suhoor and iftar. However, others reduce or stop their medication for fear of invalidating their fast.
However, stopping therapy without a doctor's advice can cause asthma to become uncontrolled. Symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing can occur more frequently, even increasing the risk of a sudden attack.
Therefore, it is important for patients to plan their treatment before Ramadan so that fasting can proceed smoothly without affecting their health.
How to Safely Use an Inhaler While Fasting?
To ensure your fasting goes smoothly, you can take the following steps:
- Continue using your controller inhaler as directed by your doctor.
- Adjust your medication schedule during sahur and breaking fast, if possible.
- Continue using your reliever inhaler if you experience daytime shortness of breath.
- Conduct checks before Ramadan to ensure stable conditions.
- Avoid triggering factors such as cigarette smoke, dust, and fatigue.
Most importantly, do not stop therapy without medical advice as this may increase the risk of relapse.
Prioritize Health When Worshipping
Islam provides leniency for those who are ill. If conditions prevent fasting or an attack occurs that requires immediate treatment, safety remains a priority. With proper planning and good communication with medical personnel, asthma patients can still fast safely and comfortably.
EMC Hospital provides specialist lung consultation services to help patients plan appropriate therapy during Ramadan, so that worship can be carried out more calmly and conditions remain under control.
This article was written by Dr. Patriotika Ismail, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).