the ruling of using inhalers during the fasting hours of Ramadan.

Inhalers are devices used by asthma patients. They contain a pressurized inactive gas that propels medicine which the patient inhales through the mouth thus allowing his breathing to return to normal. The use of these inhalers vitiates fasting because they carry liquid medicine in the form of droplets which reach an internal cavity through the mouth which is itself an open orifice. The claim that inhalers merely transport gas is inaccurate since this gas is accompanied by liquid medicine in the form of droplets.

The Ruling

- It is permissible for a person who finds it imperative to use inhalers to break his fast.

- It is obligatory for a person to break his fast if he fears for his life should he not use the inhaler during the fasting hours of Ramadan, even if his condition remains with him for a long time or is chronic.

- If medical experts determine that a person's condition is chronic, it is obligatory upon him to make compensation by feeding a needy person for each missed fast-day.

- It is not obligatory upon a person who recovers and is able to fast to make up his missed fast-days and the compensation he previously made is sufficient. Because the obligation of fasting is waived due to his condition, the compensation is obligatory and not a substitute to fasting.
Allah Almighty knows best.