Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers are susceptible to a variety of lung ailments which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD. Some forms of interstitial lung disease progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis isn't good. Risk Factors Many railroad workers are susceptible to developing lung conditions that can be life-threatening. Particularly, workers who have spent decades working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes that 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 interstitial lung diseases in the railroad industry is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs. They can cause COPD as well as other health issues, such as lung cancer and respiratory failure. Other causes of the railroad interstitial lungs disease are exposure to wood dust, stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include the presence of a family history of hepatitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia as well as complications such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes and GERD. Certain railroad companies have failed to warn their employees about the dangers associated with working in railroads. The result is an increased risk of developing serious lung ailments like pulmonary fibrosis among career railroaders. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these illnesses can sue the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical costs, lost wages, discomfort and pain, and other damages resulting from the wrong diagnosis. Symptoms Breathlessness and dry coughing are the most typical symptoms. As time passes, the illness can cause other problems that make it difficult for people to breathe. It can cause life-threatening complications like breathing problems, pneumonia, or heart failure. The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, joint pain in the toes and fingers and pulmonary fibrisis. This enlargement of lung tissue makes it difficult for the lungs to supply 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 serious lung scarring and can lead to 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 lead to a type of fibrosis referred to as asbestosis in the lungs and other conditions like silicosis. Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from freight train equipment, as well as track maintenance. Making a FELA lawsuit can help workers get compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs. Diagnosis Interstitial lung disease can cause scarring and damage to parts of the lungs. The scarring reduces the lungs' ability to get oxygen into the bloodstream and to transport it to other tissues in the body. union pacific railroad lawsuits could result in a dry cough, fatigue and breathing problems during activities. If not addressed, the problem could be life-threatening. Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems with the lung. This could include pulmonary function tests that test the efficiency of your lungs as well as blood tests, an lung biopsy and imaging tests. You will be asked to provide your medical history. This includes a list of all medications you're taking and whether anyone in your family suffers from connective tissue disease or other health condition. It is also important to inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos, dusts, or any other fumes and dusts during your work. Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals at work can trigger many diseases, including interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can increase workers' chances of being diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma. It is a cancer that is caused by inhaling microscopic fibers of asbestos. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with railroad pulmonary fibrosis to discuss your options. Treatment Interstitial lung disease, which results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, is a condition that has few treatments. The scarring may impact the way that your lungs take in oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can lead to breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. ILD is not curable, but doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and maintain a normal life. They might prescribe physical therapy, oxygen supplemental or medication to lessen your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. Certain of these medications include corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and the pirfenidone. Rituximab is another medication that can be used to treat autoimmune disorders. The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease vary from mild to severe. Usually, they come on slowly over time, or even years and worsen as lung damage becomes more severe. Breathing problems are often the first indication of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or work out. Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes such as diesel and coal exhaust, may suffer from a variety respiratory conditions. These conditions can cause serious impairment to the health, which can make it difficult to work and perform tasks normally. Railroads who fail to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment may be held responsible for this type of work-related illness as per the Federal Employers Liability Act.
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