Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers can be affected by a variety of lung diseases which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Many also have a greater chance of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Some types of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis can be poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing debilitating lung conditions. Particularly, workers who have spent decades working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes which can lead to interstitial lung disease. This is due to long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause lung scarring which makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes are extremely irritating to the lungs. They can cause COPD and other health issues such as lung cancer and respiratory failure.
Other causes of interstitial lungs from railroads disease are exposure to metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include an history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis) or pneumonia, or a family history as well as comorbidities like GERD malignancy, GERD, or diabetes.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their employees about the dangers associated with railroad work. The result is a high rate of serious lung diseases like lung fibrosis, which is a common condition among railroaders in their careers. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these ailments may sue the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical costs or wages lost, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the wrongful diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of railroad interstitial lung diseases are shortness of breath and a dry cough that doesn't go away. As time passes, the illness may lead to other problems which make it difficult for people to breathe. It could result in life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or heart or respiratory failure.
The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, pain in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrous. This scarring of lung tissue prevents the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos can cause serious lung scarring, and can cause other illnesses. It may cause cancer such as mesothelioma. This is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining inside the chest cavity. It can also lead to a type of fibrosis in the lungs known as asbestosis and other conditions like silicosis.
Workers in rail yards are frequently exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from the equipment for freight trains as well as track maintenance work. Workers can claim damages through FELA lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.
Diagnosis
Interstitial lung disease can cause scarring and damage to parts of the lung. The scarring limits the lungs' capacity to draw oxygen into blood and deliver it to other tissues in the body. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If not treated the damage can turn serious and life threatening.
To determine if you have interstitial lung disease your doctor will conduct medical tests to check for inflammation and other issues within the lung. These may include pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs function through blood tests, imaging test and lung biopsy. You will be asked to submit your medical background. pulmonary fibrosis lawsuit includes a list of all medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issue. Also, you must tell your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, metal dusts, or other fumes and dusts during your work.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances in the workplace may cause a number of illnesses, such as interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can raise the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is caused by inhaling microscopic fibers of asbestos. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are a few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring may alter the way your lungs take in oxygen and transport it to your body. It could cause breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, however doctors can help you manage your symptoms and live the normal routine of your life. They can prescribe medications and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to lessen the symptoms. They can also use medications to slow down the growth of lung scarring. Some of these medications include corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. Also, the pirfenidone. Rituximab is a different medication that can be used to treat autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms of interstitial lung conditions are different for every person and can vary from mild to severe. They typically appear slowly over months or even years, and worsen as lung damage gets worse. A shortness of breath is often the first sign of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or work out.
Rail workers exposed to dust and fumes such as coal exhaust and diesel could develop serious respiratory conditions. These conditions can result in a severe impairment to the quality of life and make it difficult to perform work and live normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can bring railroads to account for occupational illnesses in the event that they fail to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.