Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers can be affected by various lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Many also have a greater chance of developing COPD because of exposure to diesel fumes.
Some types of interstitial lung disease are progressive. This means they worsen over time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrisis is not good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Railroad workers, particularly those who have worked for a long time in an industrial setting, are frequently exposed to fumes and toxins which can lead to interstitial lung diseases. Long-term exposure to toxic chemical can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the primary cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can cause COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure, cancer and even lung cancer.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lungs disease are exposure to wood dust, metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include an ancestor's history of hepatitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia and comorbidities such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), malignancy and diabetes.
Some railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of working on railroads. This has led to a high incidence of serious lung ailments like pulmonary fibrosis among career railroaders. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these illnesses can bring a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as discomfort and pain, and other damages resulting from a mistaken diagnosis.
Symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath and dry cough that doesn't disappear. In time, the condition may lead to other problems that make it difficult for people to breathe. For instance, it could cause pneumonia or life-threatening conditions such as heart or respiratory failure.
The most severe symptoms of pulmonary disease caused by railroads include fatigue, clubbing in the toes and fingers and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of the lung tissue blocks the lungs' ability to provide oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis can also suffer from sleep problems and other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring that causes a range of other diseases. Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlements can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining in the chest cavity. It can also lead to the form of fibrosis known as asbestosis in the lungs as well as other conditions, such as silicosis.
People who work in rail yards are usually exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from the equipment for freight trains as well as maintenance of tracks. Making a FELA lawsuit can help workers recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung diseases, certain parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring hinders the ability of your lungs to pump oxygen into the bloodstream and then transport it to other tissues in the body. This can lead to a dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath during activity. If left untreated the damage can turn grave and life-threatening.
Your doctor will order medical tests to determine if there is inflammation or other problems in the lungs. These could include pulmonary function tests to measure the efficiency of your lungs and function, blood tests, lung biopsy and imaging tests. You'll need to provide your medical history, including the list of all medications you are taking and whether anyone in your family has connective tissue disorders or other health issues. It is important to inform your physician if exposed to asbestos, metal dusts, dusts made of silica or any other fumes while working.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and materials at work can trigger many illnesses, such as interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes can increase the risk of developing cancer among workers particularly mesothelioma. This type of cancer is linked to asbestos fibers. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with railroad pulmonary fibrosis, contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file a lawsuit.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease, which causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs, has limited treatments. The scarring may alter the way your lungs take in oxygen and transfer it to your body. It could lead to breathing issues such as 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 live a normal life. They might prescribe medication and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to reduce your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow down the growth of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine as well as cyclophosphamide and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab, another medication, can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease vary from mild to severe. Usually, they develop gradually over a period of time and become more severe as lung damage gets worse. Breathing problems are often the first sign of ILD. It becomes worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Rail workers who are exposed to fumes, dust and dust particles such as coal exhaust and diesel can develop serious respiratory conditions. These illnesses can cause significant impairment in the quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform their duties and function normally. Railroads that do not provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment may be held accountable for this type of work-related illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.