skip to main content

Wood dust asthma — DOccMed MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardOccupational Lung DiseaseWood dust asthmaDOccMed

A furniture maker develops blocked nose, cough and wheeze after sanding hardwood. Symptoms ease during a two-week holiday and recur on return. Peak flow readings taken twice daily are inconclusive. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Refer for specialist occupational asthma assessment while reducing wood-dust exposure

Wood dust is a recognised respiratory sensitiser and also a carcinogenic exposure in some contexts. Inconclusive peak flow recordings do not exclude occupational asthma, especially if technique or timing is limited. Exposure reduction and specialist assessment should proceed while workplace controls are reviewed.

Reference: HSE Wood Dust Guidance; BTS Occupational Asthma Statement