Evaluating the effect of Ramadan fasting induced chronotherapy and circadian rhythm changes on spirometric indices and respiratory symptoms in asthmatic patients

Abstract

Fasting during Ramadan is a divine duty that can have different effects on different diseases. Failure to use treatments during the holy month of Ramadan can have adverse effects on the course of asthma patients. In the present study, we intend to investigate the role of fasting on the severity of the disease and spirometric findings in patients with asthma before and after Ramadan. Methods: In the present study, 120 asthma patients referred to the clinic were selected and divided into two groups, fasting and non-fasting, during the month of Ramadan. All patients underwent spirometric examinations before and at the end of Ramadan. The asthma control test was also assessed before and after this month. The findings in each group were compared between the two groups. Results: Spirometric findings before and after Ramadan did not have any statistically significant difference between fasting and non-fasting groups and in each group. Asthma control before and after Ramadan was not statistically significant. The rate of change in FEV1 in the fasting group was significantly higher than in the non-fasting group (1.46±5.37 vs. -0.13±3.08, p=0.04).