An asthmatic using an inhaler

Question:

A person is an asthmatic and it is difficult for him to manage without
an inhaler. If he does not use one, his asthma symptoms become quite
bad. What is the ruling with regard to using an inhaler while fasting?

Answer:

If the person is a chronic asthma patient and cannot do without an
inhaler, he may use the inhaler and also pay fidyah. In this way, he will
be carrying Allah’s orders according to his strength and ability. If he is
not a chronic asthma patient, he must make qada of the fast, and
kaffarah is not necessary. A chronic or perpetual asthmatic falls under
the rule of a shaykh-e-fani (a definition of this is given further down).
No matter what, he must fast as much as he can, use the inhaler when
needed, and pay the fidyah as well.

When an asthmatic keeps fast while using an inhaler as well, it will be
like an abstention for which he will also be rewarded.

Miniscule amounts of the medication contained in an inhaler go down
the throat or it changes into gas and goes down the throat. This is why
I always advise such a person to take the inhaler when needed but to
continue keeping the fast. In this way he will be carrying out the order
of Allah ta‛ala according to his strength and capability. Those who fall
under the category of sahib-e-istita‛at (having the ability to fast) must
also pay the fidyah so that if the fast does not suffice, the fidyah will
make up for the defect. To convey anything down the throat via the
mouth causes the fast to break. In the same way, conveying anything
down the throat via the nose breaks the fast. Therefore, the same rule
will apply to both types of inhalers.1

Note: An inhaler is a type of pump which contains medication. It is
placed in the mouth, and when pressed, it releases the medication in
the form of a gas which is conveyed directly to the lungs. The patient
experiences some relief after a few moments.

Allah ta‛ala knows best.

REFERENCE:

1 Kitab al-Fatawa, vol. 3, p. 394.