Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrosis. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning they become worse with time. The prognosis for the idiopathic lung disease can be poor.
Risk Factors
A lot of railroad workers suffer from lung diseases that are debilitating. Particularly, workers who have spent a long time working in an industrial environment are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes which can cause interstitial lung disease. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult to breathe oxygen.
The most common reason for railroad interstitial lung disease is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes are extremely irritating to the lungs and may cause COPD as well as other health issues such as lung cancer and respiratory failure.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lung illness include exposure to metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include a history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history, and comorbidities such as GERD, malignancy, and diabetes.
Some railroad companies have failed to inform their employees about the risks of railroad work. union pacific railroad lawsuit has led to a high rate of serious lung ailments like lung fibrosis, which is a common condition among railroaders in their careers. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these conditions can file a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical expenses, loss of wages as well as pain and suffering and other damages related to the wrong diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
Breathlessness and a persistent dry cough are the most frequent symptoms. As time passes, the illness can lead to other health issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. It can lead to life-threatening complications, like breathing problems, pneumonia, or heart failure.
The most severe symptoms of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include fatigue, clubbing in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of the lung tissue prevents the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis may have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring that can cause a variety of other diseases. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma. It is the most rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It could also cause an inflammatory condition known as asbestosis in lungs and other conditions such as silicosis.
Workers in rail yards are typically exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from the equipment for freight trains as well as maintenance of tracks. Workers can recover damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung disease(ILD), parts of your lung are damaged and scarred. The scarring reduces the lungs' capacity to deliver oxygen to the blood and other tissues. This could result in a dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath during activity. Untreated, the damage could be life-threatening.
To diagnose interstitial lung diseases Your doctor will order medical tests to check for inflammation and other issues in the lungs. These tests may include pulmonary function tests to determine how your lung function as well as imaging tests, blood tests and lung biopsy. You will be asked to provide your medical background. This will include a list of all medications you are taking and whether any of your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issue. Also, you must tell your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, or other fumes and dusts at work.
Exposure to toxic materials and chemicals in the workplace could cause a variety of ailments which include lung diseases interstitial such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase the chance of workers developing cancer, specifically mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is linked to breathing in asbestos-like fibers in microscopic sizes. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary cancer from railroads and you are interested in contacting our knowledgeable FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit.
Treatment
There are limited treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can affect the capacity of your lungs to absorb oxygen and then transport it to your body. It could cause breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, however doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and live a normal life. They may prescribe medication such as supplemental oxygen or physical therapy to help reduce the symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progression of lung scarring. Some of these medications include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and Pirfenidone. Other drugs include rituximab, which is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary from mild to severe. Usually, they come on slowly over months or years and become more severe as lung damage worsens. Often, the first sign of ILD is a shortness in breath that increases after exercise or exertion.
Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes including diesel and coal exhaust, can develop a variety respiratory ailments. These conditions can lead to an extreme impairment in health and could make it difficult for them to perform their duties and work. The Federal Employers Liability Act can hold railroads responsible for occupational illnesses if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.