'People with asthma able to fast'

'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.