Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers can suffer from various lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Many also have a greater risk of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Some types of interstitial lung disease are progressive, which means they become worse over time. The prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis isn't good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers may develop lung conditions that can be debilitating. Railroad workers, especially those who have worked for a long time in a work environment, are frequently exposed to fumes and toxins that can trigger lung diseases called interstitial. This is due to long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring of the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lungs disease. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs and may cause COPD and other health issues, such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of interstitial lung diseases in railroads include smoking cigarettes for a long time and environmental exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include the presence of a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis as well as comorbidities such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes and GERD.
Some railroad companies failed to warn their workers about the risks of railroad work. This has led to a high incidence of serious lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis among railroaders who work in the field. The families of railroaders who have suffered from these conditions may be able to file a lawsuit in accordance with the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could cover medical expenses, loss of wages and pain and suffering as well as other damages that result from the wrong diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
The most frequent symptoms of railroad interstitial lung diseases include shortness of breath and a dry cough that does not go away. As time passes, the condition can cause other issues that make it difficult or impossible for patients to get enough oxygen. For instance, it may cause respiratory infections or life-threatening complications like respiratory or heart failure.
The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, clubbing in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrisis. The scarring of lung tissue blocks the lungs' ability to provide oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis might also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms connected to the immune system.
Inhaling asbestos can cause severe scarring in the lungs, and may lead to the development of other illnesses. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining inside the chest cavity. It can also cause a type of fibrosis in the lungs called asbestosis and other conditions such as silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to chemicals, dust and fumes from the freight train equipment, as well as maintenance of tracks. Workers can seek damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Diagnosis
Interstitial lung disease can cause scarring and damage to parts of the lung. The scarring hinders the ability of your lungs to bring oxygen into blood and transport it to other tissues in the body. This can cause a dry cough and fatigue when you exercise. If left untreated, the damage can become grave and life-threatening.
To diagnose interstitial lung disorders Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation and other conditions in the lung. These tests can include pulmonary functions tests to measure how well your lung function as well as testing for blood, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. You will be asked to submit your medical history. This includes a record of all the medicines you are taking and whether any of your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or any other health condition. Also, you must inform your doctor if have been exposed to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, or other fumes and dusts at work.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a range of illnesses, including interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes can increase the chance of developing cancer among workers, especially mesothelioma. This cancer is linked to asbestos fibers. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with railroad pulmonary fibrosis and you are interested in contacting our knowledgeable FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss your options for filing an action.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease which results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, has limited options for treatment. The scarring may alter the way your lungs absorb oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can lead to breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrisis, interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and maintain a normal life. They may prescribe the use of oxygen therapy, supplements to your diet or medications to help reduce your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine the cyclophosphamide drug, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab is another medication that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The signs of interstitial lung disease are different for each person and can vary from mild to severe. They typically progress slowly over months, or even years, and then get worse as the damage to the lung gets worse. Often, the first sign of ILD is a shortness in breath that increases during exercise or strenuous activity.
Rail workers exposed to fumes and dust, like diesel and coal exhaust can develop respiratory illnesses that are serious. These conditions can cause significant impairment to quality of life that could make it difficult for them to work and function normally. Railroads who fail to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment could be held accountable for this kind of work-related illness as per the Federal Employers Liability Act.