Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial diseases progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis of Idiopathic lung fibrosis may be poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers can develop lung conditions that can be debilitating. Particularly, workers who have spent decades working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes, which can cause interstitial lung disease. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring to the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through.
The most frequent reason for railroad interstitial lung disease is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can cause COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure and cancer of the lung.
Other causes of interstitial lung diseases in railroads include smoking a lot and exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include an ancestor's history of hepatitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia, as well as other comorbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes and GERD.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers of the dangers of railroad work. This has led to the high prevalence of serious lung conditions like pulmonary fibrosis among railroaders who work in the field. Families of railroaders who have suffered these conditions could be able to bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad to recover damages. This could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as pain and discomfort, and other damages that result from the incorrect diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
A shortness of breath and dry coughing are the most typical symptoms. Over time, the condition could lead to other issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. It could result in life-threatening complications, such as asthma or heart or respiratory failure.
Some of the most severe symptoms of this disease are fatigue, numbness of the fingers and toes and the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, that causes scarring in lung tissue and blocks the lung from supplying oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe scarring in the lungs, and may lead to the development of other diseases. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining inside the chest cavity. It can also trigger a form of fibrosis that affects the lungs known as asbestosis and other conditions such as silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from freight train equipment as well as maintenance of tracks. Making 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 lung tissue are damaged and scarred. The scarring reduces the lungs' capacity to draw oxygen into bloodstream and to transport it to other tissues in the body. This can result in a dry cough, fatigue and breathlessness during activity. If left untreated, the harm could be life-threatening.
The doctor will conduct medical tests to detect inflammation or other issues with the lung. These tests can include pulmonary functions tests to measure how well your lung function, imaging tests, blood tests and a lung biopsy. You will be asked to submit your medical history. This includes a list of all the medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issue. It is important to inform your doctor if you were exposed to asbestos, metal dusts, dusts of silica, or any other fumes during working.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace may cause many ailments, including interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase the chance of workers developing cancer, especially mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is linked to breathing in microscopic fibers of asbestos. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file a lawsuit.
Treatment
There are few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring could impact the capacity of your lungs to take in oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit is not curable, however doctors can help you manage the symptoms and live a normal life. They may prescribe medications, supplemental oxygen, or physical therapy to lessen the symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. Some of these include corticosteroids, cytotoxic medications and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and Pirfenidone. Other medications can include rituximab, a drug used to treat autoimmune conditions.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease vary for each person, and can range from mild to severe. They usually develop slowly over months or even years, and then get worse as lung damage gets worse. Often, the first indication of ILD is a shortness in breath that becomes worse with exercise or exertion.
Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust including diesel and coal exhaust, can suffer from a variety respiratory illnesses. These ailments can cause significant impairment in the 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 accountable for this kind of occupational illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.