'People with asthma able to fast'

Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

People with asthma can fast just like other people as long as they manage their diet, medicine intake and events that could trigger respiratory problems, a doctor has said.

Ahmad Hudoyo, a pulmonologist at the Jakarta Respiratory Center, said on Monday that based on his experience in the clinic, the number of asthma patients dropped by 30 percent during the fasting month while the number of patients with tuberculosis and respiratory infections showed no change.

"So, it's no problem for asthma patients to fast. I would even urge them to do so, but they should avoid drinking cold beverages, and eating sweet delicacies or fried food, especially when they break the fast, as these can trigger coughs and shortness of breath," he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the preparations for National Health Day here, Ahmad reminded asthma patients to immediately use their inhalers as soon as they experienced shortness of breath.

"A little whiff from the inhaler can unblock the bronchial tubes quickly with few side effects. After that, they can continue fasting," he said.

He suggested that they take their tablets, receive injections or use their inhalers before dawn in a bid to prevent breathing obstructions during fasting days.

He also suggested that asthma patients and their families avoid or manage factors that could induce asthma.

These included food containing excessive amounts of chocolate or peanuts, and exposure to air pollution and dust mites (Dermato faguides).

"Asthma patients react quickly to mites and their droppings. So, patients need a hygienic environment," Ahmad said.

Asthma patients should also try to avoid conditions that could lead to breathing obstructions, such as catching the flu, stress or losing their temper.

Ahmad explained that excessive talking, laughing or exercise could also induce asthma.

He said that a total of 46.2 million people suffer from asthma in Indonesia, of whom 31.5 million were children.