Using Inhalers While Fasting... Can one use inhalers while fasting? Shehzad Iqbal, Lahore Reply Using inhalers, specifically in case of or to avoid asthmatic emergencies, does not, in my opinion, effect fasting. Such inhalers do not entail any nourishment (food value); they do not go to the stomach and they are not swallowed (like food or water). In my opinion, they should not, therefore, be grouped with eating, drinking or indirectly taking nourishment, which is prohibited while in a state of fasting. I am of the opinion that a person with an asthmatic problem may take his dose of inhaler to clear his breathing path, while in a state of fasting. It should, however, remain clear that the matter pertains to 'Ijtihaad' regarding whether or not such medication should be grouped with items, whose intake should be avoided while fasting or not. A difference of opinion can exist in such matters. Regards, Moiz Amjad A Doctor's Comment A Further Comment