[Respiratory allergies in bakers]

The intensity of flour dust exposure is decisive for the incidence and severity of respiratory allergies and asthma in bakers. The most severe conditions of chronic airways obstruction are observed amongst bakers who are allergic to flour and housedust mite. A considerable reduction of flour dust exposure can already be achieved with care while pouring the flour, while powdering with flour, while cleaning and by delegating dusty tasks, with covers -- especially a lid on the dough kneading machine -- and of course also by wearing a disposable mask. One should aim at additional technical dust control measures. If a satisfactory control of the disease is not achievable with the complementary inhalation of DNCG and if necessary a beta 2 stimulator, a change of occupation appears to be urgent. But first of all one should check whether an increased exposure to flour dust (unhindered work!) did oppose the effect of the medication.