Asthma patients urged to consume extra amounts of liquids during Ramadan

Manama

 Asthma patients, who are fasting during the days of the Holy Month of Ramadan, have been urged to consume large quantities of liquid after breaking the fast after sunset, to avoid dehydration.

This was mentioned in a statement for Ministry of Health by Asthma and Respiratory Diseases Consultant Dr. Saeed Al Saffar, who warned patients of the high temperatures and the long fasting hours this year that may be harmful under certain conditions.

“Fasting has no direct negative effects on Asthma and chronic respiratory diseases’ patients, yet the long discontinuity of liquid consumption may result in dehydration and the increase of the produce of phlegm, which leads to severe cough and blockage of parts of the respiratory system, especially in midday,” Dr. Al Saffar said.

The consultant advised to use inhalers and spray medications, and to avoid taking medications by swallowing. He also said, “patients should not fill their stomachs to the limit after breaking the fast, so as to stay away from applying pressure on the diaphragm and eventually lead to breathing problems.”

Dr. Al Saffar recommended, “In case of humid or dusty weather conditions, patients are advised to stay indoors. Physicians should be immediately notified in case patients felt affected by fasting and didn’t feel any improvement after using medications.”