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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.
Certain types of interstitial lung disease are progressive, meaning they will get worse as time goes by. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis is poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent a long time working in a factory environment are often exposed to toxins and fumes, which can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. This is due to long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause lung scarring and make it more difficult for oxygen to move through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes cause irritation to the lungs and can cause COPD, as well as other health issues, such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lungs disease include environmental exposure to wood dust, stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include an ancestor's history of hepatitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia, as well as co-morbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), malignancy and diabetes.
Some railroad companies have been unable to inform their employees of the dangers of working on railroads. 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 railroaders who have suffered these conditions may be able to file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad to recover damages. This could include medical costs as well as lost wages, discomfort and pain, as well as other damages resulting from a incorrect diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
The breath is short and a persistent dry cough are the most typical symptoms. In time, the condition could lead to other health issues that make it difficult or impossible for patients to receive sufficient oxygen. For instance, it could cause pneumonia or life-threatening complications such as respiratory or heart failure.
Some of the most serious symptoms of this disease are fatigue, clubbing of the fingers and toes, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis, that causes scarring in lung tissue, and prevents the lung tissues from supplying oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis might also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms that are related to the immune system.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring that can cause a variety of other diseases. It can cause cancer, like mesothelioma which is an uncommon form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It can also cause the fibrosis type in the lungs known as asbestosis, and other conditions such as silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment as well as track maintenance. Workers can seek damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
Diagnosis
The condition causes scarring and damage to various parts of the lungs. The scarring can reduce the lungs' capacity to supply oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can result in a dry cough, fatigue, and breathing problems during activities. If not treated, the damage can become grave and life-threatening.
Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation or other issues in the lung. This could include pulmonary function tests to assess how well your lungs function and function, blood tests, imaging test and lung biopsy. You'll have to give your medical history, including an inventory of any medicines you take and if you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issues. It is also important to inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos, metal dusts, or other fumes or dusts in your workplace.
Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a variety of illnesses such as interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes increases the risk of cancer in workers particularly mesothelioma. This type of cancer is linked to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary disease from the railroad to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring could impact the capacity of your lungs to absorb oxygen and transport it to your body. It can cause breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can help you manage your symptoms and lead an active lifestyle. They might prescribe the use of oxygen therapy, supplements to your diet or medications to ease the symptoms. They can also use medication to slow the development of lung scarring. Some of these medicines include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide as well as pirfenidone. Other drugs include rituximab which is used to treat autoimmune conditions.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease can vary from mild to severe. Usually, they manifest slowly over months or years and become more severe as lung damage becomes more severe. Shortness of breath is often the first sign of ILD. Lymphoma lawsuit becomes 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 cause significant impairment to health, which could make it difficult for them to work and perform tasks normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can bring railroads to account for occupational illnesses for failing to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.