Can You Use Inhalers While Fasting During Ramadan

Question

Does an Inhaler Break Your Fast?

Bottom Line

Puffers and oxygen do not break the fast. Vaporizers and capsules invalidate the fast.

Quick Answer

Asthma puffers and oxygen can be used while fasting without issue. Vaporizers, however, cause liquid particles to reach the stomach, breaking the fast. Capsules with powdered medicine also invalidate the fast, as the powder mixes with saliva and enters the stomach. If used out of necessity, the day must be made up.

Key Points

• Puffers: Allowed, do not break the fast.
• Oxygen: Allowed, does not break the fast.
• Vaporizers: Break the fast, the day must be made up.
• Capsules: Break the fast due to the powder reaching the stomach.
• Ongoing illness: If permanent, feed a poor person for each missed day.

Detailed Answer

Asthma has several forms of treatment. Scholars distinguished between them regarding fasting:

Puffers

Puffers contain compressed gas that opens airways. It is not food or drink. The Standing Committee and Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn ruled it does not break the fast.

Oxygen

Oxygen is also neither food nor drink. It helps with breathing but does not reach the stomach. Using it during fasting is valid.

Vaporizers

Vaporizers turn liquid medicine into a mist inhaled via mask or tube. Some water and salt inevitably reach the stomach, which breaks the fast. If used, the day must be made up.

Capsules

Capsules contain powdered medicine inhaled through a special device. The powder mixes with saliva and reaches the stomach. This invalidates the fast.
– If temporary, make up missed days later.
– If permanent, feed a poor person daily in place of fasting.

Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn said:

“Capsules break the fast because it is a powder that has substance and can enter the stomach. The second type, gas medicine, does not break the fast.” (Majmūʿ Fatāwā Ibn ʿUthaymīn, 19/159)

What This Means for You

If you have asthma and need puffers or oxygen, you may fast without worry. If your treatment involves vaporizers or capsules, your fast will be broken, and you must make it up or feed the poor if it is a long-term condition.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• IslamQA Fatwa 78459: Ruling on inhalers and asthma medication in fasting.

Secondary Sources

• Majmūʿ Fatāwā Ibn ʿUthaymīn, vol. 19: Fatwas on asthma treatment and fasting.