Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers can suffer from a variety of lung diseases which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD. Some forms of interstitial lung disease are progressive, which means they will get worse as time goes by. The prognosis of Idiopathic lungfibrosis is often poor. Risk Factors A lot of railroad workers suffer from lung conditions that can be debilitating. Railroad workers, particularly those who work in industrial settings, are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes which can lead to interstitial lung diseases. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring of the lungs and make it more difficult for oxygen to flow through. Diesel exhaust fumes are the primary cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can trigger COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure and lung cancer. Other causes of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include chronic smoking and environmental exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include having a history of hepatitis in the family or tuberculosis as well as other comorbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), malignancy and diabetes. Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers of the dangers of railroad work. This has resulted in an increased incidence of lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids among railroad workers who are in the profession. Families of railroaders who been afflicted by these ailments might be able to file a lawsuit in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could include medical expenses loss of wages, pain and discomfort, and other damages resulting from the incorrect diagnosis. Symptoms The breath is short and a persistent dry cough are the most typical symptoms. Over time, the condition can lead to other problems that make it difficult or impossible for people to receive enough oxygen. For instance, it can cause pneumonia or life-threatening complications such as heart or respiratory failure. The most serious symptoms of the disease are fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring to the lung tissue, and prevents the lungs from supplying oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis can have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms. Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring that can cause a variety of other illnesses. It can cause cancers, such as mesothelioma, which is one of the rare types of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It can also lead to a form of fibrosis called asbestosis in the lungs and other conditions like silicosis. Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment as well as maintenance of track. Workers can claim damages through FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Diagnosis If you suffer from interstitial lung disease, parts of your lung tissue are damaged and scarred. The scarring limits the ability of your lungs to get oxygen into the blood and transport it to other tissues in the body. This can result in a dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. Untreated, the damage could be life-threatening. To determine if you have interstitial lung disease the doctor will perform medical tests to check for inflammation and other problems in the lungs. These tests may include pulmonary functions tests to determine how your lungs function, blood tests, imaging tests and lung biopsy. You'll need to provide your medical history, including the list of all medicines you take and if anyone in your family has connective tissue diseases or other health issues. You will also need to tell your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos or metal dusts, or other fumes or dusts in your workplace. Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause a variety of illnesses that include interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes can increase the chance of developing cancer in workers, especially mesothelioma. The cancer is connected to asbestos fibers. Contact our knowledgeable FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad to discuss your options. Kidney cancer lawsuit There are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring may alter the way your lungs take in oxygen and transfer it to your body. It could lead to breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. ILD is not curable, however 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 your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine the cyclophosphamide drug, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab is another drug that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary symptoms vary for each person and can vary from mild to severe. Usually, they develop gradually over a period of time and become more severe as lung damage becomes more severe. Often, the first sign of ILD is a shortness in breath which gets worse with exercise or exertion. Rail workers exposed to fumes and dust like coal exhaust and diesel may suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These ailments can cause serious impairment in quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform work and live normally. Railroads that failed to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment could be held accountable for this kind of occupational illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
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