How do people with allergies observe fasting?

Allergists note that there are many types of allergies. Some treatment methods involve routes such as the mouth, nose, or rectum, which are considered natural entryways. Anything that reaches the inside of the body through these routes breaks the fast.

Therefore, people with allergies should keep the following in mind:

• Before Ramadan, it is best to prepare in advance by managing treatments and taking steps to prevent allergy flare-ups during the fasting month. Allergists say that while a person may not be completely cured, some types of allergies can be temporarily controlled with treatment.

• If fasting becomes difficult due to allergies during Ramadan, try to use treatments that do not break the fast. Whenever possible, schedule allergy medications for before dawn or after sunset. If this is not possible, look for ways to take medications that do not reach the stomach. If injections are needed, make sure with a doctor that they do not provide nutrition or energy.

• If no treatment can be found that does not break the fast, it is permissible to postpone fasting with the intention of making up the missed days when the allergy is not active. Once recovered, the missed fasts should be made up.

One issue related to fasting and allergies is the use of nasal drops or sprays for breathing difficulties. According to Hanafi fiqh: “If the medicine remains in the nose and does not reach the inside, the fast is not broken” [1]. Therefore, it is best to use only a very small amount. If some accidentally reaches the throat, one day of fasting should be made up after Ramadan.

Because there is a risk that drops or sprays may reach the throat, it is allowed to use a small amount of nasal or throat sprays.

From the book "Fatwas on Ramadan Fasting"

[1] "Radd al-Muhtar", 6/285.