What are the warning signs while fasting?

Fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, very dark urine or none all day, chest pain, severe breathlessness and, in people with diabetes, a low blood sugar reading or symptoms such as shaking and sweating.

Should I break my fast if I feel faint?

If you feel very unwell, your health comes first. Sit down, treat the problem and get medical help. You can ask your doctor and religious adviser beforehand so you know what to do.

Can people with diabetes fast safely?

Some can, with planning, but it carries risks, especially for people on insulin or with other conditions. Speak to your diabetes team before Ramadan and check your sugar if you feel unwell.

Why do I get a headache while fasting?

Common causes are dehydration, caffeine withdrawal and tiredness. A sudden severe headache, or one with fever, a stiff neck, weakness or confusion needs urgent care: see our headache guide.

Is Emergency Plus open at iftar and suhoor?

Yes. The emergency department and walk-in urgent care are open 24 hours a day with no appointment.

When should I call 911?

For chest pain, collapse, a seizure, confusion that doesn't clear, severe breathing trouble or heavy bleeding.

Fasting in Ramadan: Warning Signs That Need a Doctor

Millions of healthy adults fast safely each year. But long hours without fluids, hot weather and changes to meals and medicines can cause problems for some people. This guide covers the warning signs, mainly from the NHS on dehydration and low blood sugar. It is general information, not a ruling on whether you should fast: that is a decision for you, your doctor and your religious adviser.

What are the signs of dehydration while fasting?

Feeling thirsty, dizzy or lightheaded.
Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine, or passing little urine.
A dry mouth, lips and eyes, tiredness and a headache.
A fast heartbeat or feeling faint on standing: see dizzy when standing up.

Between iftar and suhoor, drink fluids steadily, avoid long exposure to heat, and limit very salty foods and caffeine.

What about people with diabetes?

People with diabetes, especially those who use insulin or some tablets, can develop low blood sugar when fasting, with shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting. High blood sugar and serious illness are also possible: see high blood sugar emergencies. Check your sugar if you feel unwell, treat low sugar straight away as your doctor has taught you, and don't wait to feel better. Ask your diabetes team for a Ramadan plan before the month starts.

Common problems that are not always serious

Headaches in the first days (often caffeine withdrawal or dehydration), tiredness, heartburn after a large iftar, and mild constipation are common. They usually settle with fluids, balanced meals and rest. Heartburn that comes with chest pressure needs checking: see heartburn or heart attack?.

In Amman's hot months, add the heat risks in heatstroke warning signs.

What could it be, and what to do?

What it may be	Typical signs	When it happens	What to do
Mild dehydration	Thirst, dark urine, mild headache, tiredness	Late afternoon	Rest in the shade; drink steadily after iftar
Low blood sugar (diabetes)	Shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion	Any time of the fast	Check sugar and treat it now; seek help if it doesn't improve
Heat exhaustion or heatstroke	Heavy sweating, hot dry skin, confusion	Hot weather, outdoors	Cool down; call 911 for confusion or collapse
Heart or breathing problem	Chest pressure, breathlessness, fainting	Sudden	Call 911

When is fasting an emergency?

Call 911 or go to the ER now if:

Chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness or fainting.
Confusion, slurred speech, or being hard to wake.
A seizure.
Hot, dry skin with confusion after time in the heat.
Vomiting blood, or black or bloody stools.
Very low blood sugar that does not improve after treatment, or a person with diabetes who is drowsy, vomiting and breathing fast.
Persistent vomiting with no urine passed all day.

See a doctor the same day if:

Dizziness or fainting that keeps returning.
Low blood sugar readings more than once.
Vomiting or diarrhoea that stops you drinking.

Usually fine at home if:

Mild thirst and tiredness that improve after drinking.
A mild headache that eases with fluids and rest.
Mild heartburn with no chest pressure or breathlessness.

What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?

At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.

Feeling unwell while fasting?

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.

Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313

Sources

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.