Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. There is also a higher chance of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Some types of interstitial diseases progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrisis is not good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers can develop lung conditions that are debilitating. Particularly, workers who have spent decades working in industrial environments are often exposed to toxins and fumes, which can cause interstitial lung diseases. This is because exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to move through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the main cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can trigger COPD and other health problems such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of interstitial lung disease in railroad workers include smoking a lot and exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include a history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history and comorbidities such as GERD malignancy, GERD, and diabetes.
Some railroad companies failed to inform their workers of the dangers associated with railroad work. The result is the high prevalence of serious lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis among career railroaders. Families of railroaders who been afflicted by these ailments may be able to bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and discomfort, and other damages resulting from a wrong diagnosis.
Symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath and a dry cough that doesn't disappear. Over time, the illness may cause other issues that make it difficult or impossible for patients to receive sufficient oxygen. It could lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia or heart or respiratory failure.
The most serious symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease are fatigue, numbness of the fingers and toes and the development of pulmonary fibrosis, that causes scarring in lung tissue and prevents the lungs from supplying oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience breathing difficulties during sleep and other signs related to the immune system.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring and can cause other illnesses. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining in the chest cavity. It can also lead to a form of fibrosis called asbestosis in lungs and other conditions, such as silicosis.
People who work in rail yards are often exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust from the equipment used in freight trains and track maintenance work. Getting a FELA lawsuit could help workers recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.
Diagnosis
Interstitial lung disease can cause scarring and damage to parts of the lungs. The scarring affects the lungs' capacity in delivering oxygen to blood and other tissues. This could result in a dry cough, fatigue and breathing problems during activities. If left untreated, the harm could be life-threatening.
To determine if you have interstitial lung disease Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation and other conditions in the lung. These tests could include pulmonary functions tests to determine how your lungs function, tests for blood, imaging and lung biopsy. You will be asked for your medical background. This will include a list of all medications you're taking and whether anyone in your family suffers from connective tissue disease or any other health issue. It is important to inform your doctor if you've been exposed to asbestos, metal dusts or dusts made of silica or any other odors while working.
The exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a variety of illnesses, including interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes increase the risk of developing cancer in employees and their families, particularly mesothelioma. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements of cancer is linked to asbestos fibers. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file a lawsuit.
Treatment
There are few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring could affect the capacity of your lungs to take in oxygen and transport it to your body. It can lead to breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, however doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and live your normal lifestyle. They might prescribe medication and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to ease your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progression of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab is a different medication that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease vary from mild to severe. Usually, they manifest slowly over a period of months or years and then get worse as lung damage worsens. The breath shortness is usually the first sign of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes including diesel and coal exhaust, may suffer from a variety of serious respiratory ailments. These conditions can result in a severe impairment in quality of life and make it difficult to perform their duties and function normally. Railroads that failed to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment can be held responsible for this kind of work-related injury under the Federal Employers Liability Act.