With the arrival of Ramadan, many people with asthma and allergic rhinitis wonder how fasting will have an effect on their illness and whether they can use their medications. There is concern about getting coronavirus vaccine. President of Allergy and Asthma Association Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay made statements on the subject.

Is fasting safe for those with asthma?

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are chronic diseases that affect a large number of people. People with asthma in particular are considering whether fasting will worsen their illness. Many studies and evidence show that fasting does not have a negative effect on asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, the important point and thing to be aware of here is that you should continue to use your medication regularly. If you are having an asthma attack, it is better not to fast. Because the bronchi constrict during an asthma attack, fasting reduces the amount of fluid in the body and makes it more difficult to produce sputum. As a result, asthma attack symptoms may increase.

Does coronavirus vaccine break the fast? At what times should it be done?

The Directorate of Religious Affairs made a statement on this issue. He reported that the coronavirus vaccine has no nutritional value, so there is no harm in vaccination. Fasting reduces the amount of fluid in our body. The effect of this is greatest towards the evening. For this reason, it is very important that coronavirus vaccines are administered in the morning, at least before noon. Because in any allergic reaction that may occur, if the severity of the allergy is high, the fluid balance of our body becomes very important. In case of allergic shock, the amount of blood circulating through our veins suddenly decreases and fluid should be given through the vascular access. For this reason, it will be much safer to administer the coronavirus vaccine in the morning hours when our body's fluid balance is at its best.

What should I pay attention to while getting allergy vaccinations?

One of the most curious questions is whether allergy vaccines will invalidate the fast or not. Allergy injections, which are administered by injection or sublingually, do not break the fast. Continuity in allergy vaccine treatment leads to a more accurate course of treatment. For this reason, treatment should not be interrupted. As a matter of fact, allergy vaccinations do not break the fast. Making allergy vaccines in the morning when our fluid balance is better, just like coronavirus vaccines, will make it safer against allergic reactions to the allergy vaccine.

Do asthma medications break the fast?

The vast majority of people with asthma have to use medication regularly. As such, one of the most curious issues for people with asthma is whether the drugs used will invalidate the fast or not. Asthma medications used in the form of spray and steam do not break the fast. However, it is reported that the application of steam, which is used for moisturizing and does not contain asthma medication, breaks the fast. The statement of Diyanet on the website of the High Board of Religious Affairs is in this direction. Asthma patients can fast by spraying their mouths with sprays that will relieve breathing. These medicines sprayed into the mouth do not break the fast. Because these drugs reach the lungs.

While sprays and vapors do not break the fast, medicines in the form of syrups or tablets used in the treatment of asthma can break the fast. For this reason, oral syrup and tablets may be preferred to be taken after iftar and during suhoor.

People with allergic rhinitis and eye allergies should not disrupt their medication.

Those with allergic rhinitis often use nasal sprays and sometimes eye drops. If fasting people with allergic rhinitis and eye allergies need to use nasal spray and eye drops, they should continue to use them. There is a statement by the Directorate of Religious Affairs that nasal spray and eye drops do not break the fast. Since nasal sprays are generally used in the evening, you can use them after iftar. It is very important for those with allergic rhinitis and eye allergies to use their medications during the period when they have complaints. Otherwise, if the coronavirus is present in our body due to nasal itching, sneezing, it may cause it to spread to someone else. In addition, it will be easier for us to infect ourselves with the virus in the environment due to itching of the nose and eyes.

Can I adjust my asthma medications according to fasting?

Before making any decision about changing the way you take your asthma medications, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor will clearly tell you when to take the medicines, taking into account your current situation. Never stop taking medication and do not change your medication routine without consulting your doctor. If you have adjusted your medications according to the fasting times and you experience any symptoms, you should definitely see your doctor.

It should be noted that; If you do not take your asthma medications as prescribed, your asthma symptoms may worsen. For this reason, contact your doctor before making changes in the times you take your medications.

Allergy tests and fasting

Allergy tests can be done from the skin or blood. These tests do not break the fast. For this reason, those who fast can have these tests done when necessary. Since respiratory function tests do not break the fast, they can be performed when necessary. However, not performing respiratory function tests unless necessary during the pandemic period will be beneficial in terms of preventing coronavirus transmission. The point to be noted is that it will be safer to do it in the morning when our liquid balance is at its best.

Make sure you manage your asthma well while fasting.

You can prepare a joint plan with your doctor to make sure your asthma is well managed while fasting. This plan should contain answers to some questions about what to do while fasting. For example:

When and how much should you take asthma medication?
How do you know when your asthma is getting worse?
What should you do if you have an asthma attack?

Things to pay attention by those with asthma while fasting

Steam and spray medicines do not break the fast, and continue to take these medications as prescribed during your fasting periods. For other drugs, act in consultation with your doctor.

If you notice your asthma symptoms getting worse, seek immediate medical attention. If you do not take your asthma medications or change the time of taking your medications during your fast, you may be at risk of an asthma attack.

When your asthma symptoms worsen, take a break from fasting.

Drying of the respiratory tract can worsen your symptoms, so drink plenty of fluids at sahur and iftar.

The typical symptom of asthma is cough, and cough is often accompanied by sputum. Since the loss of water is high during the fasting period, the sputum becomes darker and this situation is accompanied by cough. It will be beneficial not to fast and drink plenty of water during periods of intense coughing.

If you have asthma control when you fast, do not disrupt it and continue your treatment.

Watch out for reflux!

Asthma medications can cause reflux, and reflux can cause asthma symptoms. For this reason, people with asthma should stay away from foods that increase reflux as much as possible. It will be beneficial to stay away from foods that increase reflux, especially in sahur.

With the decrease in sugar during the fasting period, the feeling of hunger increases and appetite may increase. Increased appetite causes the feeling of satiety to come later and weight gains may be experienced. Excess weight is an important risk for asthma. For this reason, it will be beneficial for people with asthma to have a controlled diet and to eat in moderation at iftar tables.

To summarize:

There is no harm in fasting those with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
It is very important for those with asthma and allergic rhinitis to use medication when necessary in protection against coronavirus.
Coronavirus vaccines and allergy vaccines do not break the fast.
Asthma medicines in the form of sprays and vapors, nasal sprays from allergic rhinitis medicines do not invalidate the fast.
Have your allergy vaccinations and coronavirus vaccinations in the morning.
Drink plenty of fluids close to suhoor, avoid foods that cause reflux and consume too much food.

Is Fasting Safe For Those With Asthma? Do Asthma Medicines Invalidate Fasting?