RAMADAN TIPS 2009

(6) Health Issues & treatment

Salams

Continuing the health theme, in case the tips yesterday still cause these symptoms – read on!

Some health conditions may be improved during fasting, while others may possibly deteriorate. If you decide that fasting could possibly be harmful in your situation, you have two options:

•If yours is a temporary, not chronic, condition you may make up the fast (a day for a day) at a later time, when your health improves.
•If yours is a permanent or chronic condition, you may make a donation in charity in lieu of fasting. The amount should be sufficient to feed one person a day, for each fasting day that is missed.

There is no need to feel guilty about taking care of your health needs during Ramadan. These exemptions exist in the Qur'an for a reason, as Allah knows best what issues we may face. Even if one is not fasting, one can feel part of the Ramadan experience through other areas of worship -- such as offering additional prayers, inviting friends and family for evening meals, reading the Qur'an, or donating to charity.

Did you know...

The sudden change in food and fluid intake can have serious consequences for some participants.

Headaches

The most common complaints during Ramadan are headaches. No one is quite sure what causes the "first-of-Ramadan headache," but there does seem to be a correlation between caffeine intake pre-Ramadan and headaches during. Reducing caffeine intake gradually during the two weeks leading into Ramadan seems to ease the headaches.

Dehydration seems to have something to do with the headaches. Very little fluid intake can lead to dehydration, especially on particularly hot days. If untreated, dehydration can lead to fainting or shock (very low blood pressure). The basic treatment for dehydration is drinking water or sports drinks.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Most instances of hypoglycemia are related to diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that leads to increased blood sugar levels. Treatment is aimed at decreasing blood sugar, but many factors can lead to sugar levels dropping too low. The most common factor is not eating. While visits to the emergency room are not uncommon for diabetics, during Ramadan the ages of diabetic patients visiting the emergency room are much younger.

Otherwise healthy people with no history of diabetes can also suffer from low blood sugar from not eating. Worse, a person with no history of diabetes may not recognize the signs of hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, slurred speech, and fainting. If the blood sugar drops low enough, hypoglycemia can even be fatal. The treatment is food. Simple carbohydrates work the fastest to elevate blood sugar, but complex carbohydrates and protein maintain it.

Peptic Ulcers

Bleeding from peptic ulcers is worse during Ramadan than during other times of the year. Bleeding into the stomach and intestines can lead to shock and possibly death. Bloody or dark bowel movements or vomit can indicate bleeding in the digestive system.

People with evidence of bloody discharge should be seen by a doctor right away. For any signs of shock (weakness, dizziness, confusion), call a doctor immediately.

Kidney Disease

Fasting during Ramadan may not be good for those with kidney disease. While there's little first aid that can be done for most kidney disease problems, chronic kidney disease patients should check with their doctors before fasting.

The Good News

For patients of other chronic conditions there is good news. No evidence suggests that folks suffering from cardiac-related disorders or asthma have more problems during Ramadan than any other time of the year. In fact, changes in emergency room visits during Ramadan seem to be limited to the issues listed above.

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