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Baker's asthma — DOccMed MCQ

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EasyOccupational Lung DiseaseBaker's asthmaDOccMed

A 27-year-old baker develops sneezing, itchy eyes and wheeze during early-morning dough mixing. Symptoms improve on rest days and worsen when tipping flour sacks; he has no pets and no previous asthma. What is the most appropriate health surveillance?

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Correct answer: A — Respiratory symptom questionnaire and spirometry for exposed bakery workers

Flour and bakery enzymes are recognised respiratory sensitisers, so exposed workers need appropriate respiratory health surveillance. Symptom enquiry and spirometry can detect early adverse change and trigger exposure review. Chest X-ray and urinary enzyme testing do not screen for occupational asthma. Local extraction reduces risk but does not remove the need for surveillance where residual exposure remains.

Reference: HSE Occupational Asthma: food industry guidance