Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma or pulmonary fibrosis. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial pulmonary diseases progress, meaning that they get worse over time. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis isn't great.
Risk railroad cancer lawsuit are at risk of developing lung problems that can be debilitating. Railroad workers, particularly those who have spent years in an industrial setting, are frequently exposed to toxic fumes and other toxins which can lead to interstitial lung diseases. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs. This makes it difficult for oxygen to move through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can cause COPD and other health issues such as respiratory failure and cancer of the lung.
Other causes of interstitial lung disease in railroad workers include smoking cigarettes for a long time and environmental exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis, as well as complications such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers about the dangers of railroad work. The result is a high rate of serious lung ailments like pulmonary fibrosis among railroaders who work in the field. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these illnesses can make a claim against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could cover medical expenses, loss of wages and pain and suffering and other damages due to the incorrect diagnosis.
Symptoms
Breathlessness and a persistent dry cough are the most typical symptoms. Over time, the condition could lead to other issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. It can lead to life-threatening complications like breathing problems, pneumonia, or heart failure.
Some of the most serious symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease are fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring in the lung tissue and blocks the lung tissue from providing oxygen to the body. People who develop pulmonary fibrosis may also experience difficulty breathing during sleep and other signs associated with the immune system.
Asbestos inhalation can cause severe scarring of the lungs and can lead to other diseases. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer that affects the chest cavity's lining and other organs. It can also lead to the fibrosis type in the lungs known as asbestosis, and other conditions such as silicosis.
The workers who work in rail yards are typically exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from equipment for freight trains as well as maintenance work on tracks. Workers can seek damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung disease, the parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring limits the lungs' capacity to draw oxygen into blood and transport it to other tissues in the body. This can cause a dry cough and fatigue when you exercise. If not addressed, the problem could be life-threatening.
To identify interstitial lung diseases your doctor will conduct medical tests to detect inflammation and other issues in the lungs. These may include pulmonary function tests to determine how well your lungs work through blood tests, imaging test and lung biopsy. You will be asked to submit your medical background. This includes a list of all the medicines you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or any other health condition. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, metal dusts, or any other fumes and dusts while at work.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances at work can trigger various diseases, including interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes increase the risk of developing cancer in employees, especially mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads and you are interested in contacting our knowledgeable FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file an action.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease that causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, is a condition that has few treatment options. The scarring could affect the capacity of your lungs to take in oxygen and then transport it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can help you manage your symptoms and lead an active lifestyle. They may prescribe medication such as supplemental oxygen or physical therapy to lessen the symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. Certain of these medications include corticosteroids, cytotoxic medications and anti-fibrotic medicines such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide as well as the pirfenidone. Rituximab is a different medication that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease vary for each person, and can range from mild to severe. They typically take time to develop over months or even years, and worsen when lung damage becomes more severe. The most common sign of ILD is breathlessness that becomes worse after exercise or exertion.
Rail workers who are exposed to fumes and dust, like coal exhaust and diesel can develop serious respiratory conditions. These conditions can result in severe impairment of health, which can make it difficult to perform their duties and work. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for work-related illness if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.