Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma or pulmonary fibrosis. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial pulmonary diseases are progressive, meaning they will get worse as time goes by. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis is poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing debilitating lung conditions. Particularly, workers who have worked for a long time in industrial environments are often exposed to toxins and fumes that could cause interstitial lung disease. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring which makes it more difficult for oxygen to flow through.
The most common reason for interstitial lung disease from railroads is prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes are very irritant to the lungs. They can cause COPD and other health issues, such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include smoking a lot and exposure to metal, wood 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 diabetes.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their employees about the dangers associated with railroad work. This has led to a high rate of serious lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis among career railroaders. The families of railroaders who have suffered from these conditions may be able to file a lawsuit in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could include medical expenses as well as loss of wages and pain and suffering and other damages resulting from the wrongful diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
A shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough are the most frequent symptoms. Over time, the condition can lead to other health issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. It can cause life-threatening complications, like respiratory or heart failure.
The most severe symptoms of the disease include fatigue, numbness in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of lung tissue prevents the lungs to supply oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep issues and other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling cancer lawsuits can cause severe scarring of the lungs and can lead to a variety of other ailments. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma. This is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining of the chest cavity. It can also cause a type of fibrosis in the lungs known as asbestosis and other diseases like silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to chemicals, dust and fumes from freight train equipment, as well as maintenance of track. Workers can claim damages through FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung disease(ILD), parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the capacity of your lungs to provide oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can result in a dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath during activity. If not treated, the injury could be life-threatening.
Your doctor will recommend medical tests to look for inflammation or other issues with the lungs. This could include pulmonary function tests that assess how well your lungs function as well as blood tests, an imaging test and lung biopsy. You will need to give your medical history, which includes the list of medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issues. It is also important to inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos, dusts, or other odors and dusts while at work.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a variety of ailments such as interstitial lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can increase the likelihood of a worker being diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma. It is a cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that are microscopic. Contact our knowledgeable FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad to discuss your options.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease, which causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs, offers limited options for treatment. The scarring could affect the ability of your lungs to absorb oxygen and transfer it to your body. It could cause breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial pneumonia as well as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
There is no cure for ILD, but doctors can treat your symptoms and help you to live a normal life. They can prescribe medications and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to lessen your symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow down the growth of the lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine as well as cyclophosphamide and cytotoxic drugs. Other drugs include rituximab, which is used to treat autoimmune conditions.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary illness can vary from mild to severe. They typically progress slowly over months, or even years, and they can get worse as the lung damage worsens. The breath shortness is usually the first sign of ILD. It becomes more severe when you exercise or work out.
Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes including diesel and coal exhaust, can develop a variety respiratory illnesses. These conditions can cause a serious 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 may be held responsible for this type of work-related injury under the Federal Employers Liability Act.