Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers may suffer from a variety of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. There is also a higher risk of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Certain types of interstitial lung disease are progressive, which means they worsen over time. The prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Railroad workers, particularly those who work in a work environment are often exposed to toxic fumes and other toxins that can cause interstitial lung diseases. Long-term exposure to toxic chemical can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult for oxygen to pass.
The most frequent cause of interstitial lung disease in railroads is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs, and could cause COPD, as well as other health issues like respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lung disease are smoking, chronically, and exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis as well as other comorbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.
Certain railroad companies have failed to warn their employees about the dangers of railroad work. This has resulted in an increased incidence of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among railroad workers who are in the profession. The families of railroaders who have been affected by these ailments might be able to bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad to recover damages. lung cancer lawsuit from smoking could include medical costs and lost wages, as well as discomfort and pain, and other damages resulting from a wrong diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
Shortness of breath and dry coughing are the most frequent symptoms. As time passes, the condition can lead to other health issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. acute myeloid leukemia lawsuit can lead to life-threatening complications, like respiratory or heart failure.
The most serious symptoms of the disease include fatigue, the rubbing of the toes and fingers, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis which causes scarring to the lung tissue and blocks the lung tissue from providing oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.
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 cancer that affects organs and the lining in the chest cavity. It can also cause an inflammatory condition known as asbestosis in the lungs and other conditions like silicosis.
People who work in rail yards are frequently exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from freight train equipment and from maintenance tasks on the tracks. Getting a FELA lawsuit can help workers get compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.
Diagnosis
When you have interstitial lung diseases, certain parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the lungs' ability to bring oxygen into blood and deliver it to other tissues in the body. This can lead to a dry cough, fatigue and breathing problems during activities. If not treated the damage can become grave and life-threatening.
Your doctor will recommend medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems with the lungs. These tests can include pulmonary functions tests to measure how well your lungs function as well as tests for blood, imaging and a lung biopsy. You will need to give your medical history, including the list of medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or other health conditions. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos or metal dusts, or any other fumes and dusts during your work.
Exposure to toxic materials and chemicals in the workplace can cause a variety of ailments that include interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma. It is a cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibers in microscopic size. Contact our knowledgeable FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with pulmonary disease from the railroad to discuss your options.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease that results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, has a limited options for treatment. The scarring can alter the way your lungs absorb oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
There is no cure for ILD, but doctors can treat your symptoms and assist you live a normal life. They might prescribe medication such as supplemental oxygen or physical therapy to ease your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. mesothelioma lung cancer lawsuit include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Other drugs include rituximab which is used to treat autoimmune conditions.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease can vary from mild to severe. Typically, they show up gradually over a period of time and worsen as lung damage gets worse. Often, the first indication of ILD is a shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or exertion.
Rail workers who are exposed to fumes and dust like coal exhaust and diesel may suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These conditions can cause severe impairment of quality of life, which could make it difficult for them to perform their duties and work. Railroads that do not provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment could be held accountable for this kind of work-related injury under the Federal Employers Liability Act.