Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are susceptible to a variety of lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. There is also a higher risk of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Some forms of interstitial lung disease develop, which means that they get worse over time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis isn't good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk of developing lung problems that can be debilitating. Leukemia lawsuit , especially those who work for long periods in a working environment are often exposed to fumes and toxins which can lead to lung diseases called interstitial. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult to breathe oxygen.

The most common reason for railroad interstitial lung disease is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes cause irritation to the lungs, and could cause COPD, as well as other health issues, such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Leukemia lawsuit of railroad interstitial lungs disease are exposure to metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include the presence of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history along with comorbidities like GERD malignancy, GERD, or diabetes.
Some railroad companies have been unable to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. This has resulted in a high rate of lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids among professional railroaders. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these conditions can sue the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical costs as well as lost wages, discomfort and pain, as well as other damages resulting from the mistaken diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
The breath is short and a persistent dry cough are the most common symptoms. As time passes, the condition can lead to other health issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. It could lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory or heart failure.
The most serious symptoms of the disease include fatigue, the rubbing of the fingers and toes and the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring in the lung tissue and blocks the lung tissues from supplying oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms.
Asbestos inhalation can cause severe lung scarring, and could lead to other illnesses. It can cause cancers, such as mesothelioma. It is an uncommon form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It can also cause the form of fibrosis known as asbestosis in the lungs, and other conditions such as silicosis.
cancer lawsuit who work in rail yards are typically exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust that come from the freight train equipment and from maintenance work on tracks. Getting a FELA lawsuit will allow workers to recover damages for their medical bills, lost wages and other costs.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung disease(ILD), parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring reduces the ability of the lungs to supply oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can lead to a dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If untreated the damage could become serious and life threatening.
To diagnose interstitial lung diseases the doctor will perform medical tests to detect inflammation and other conditions in the lungs. These may include pulmonary function tests that assess how well your lungs function as well as blood tests, an lung biopsy and imaging tests. You are required to provide your medical history. This includes a record of all medications you're taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or any other health issue. Also, you must inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos or metal dusts, or other fumes or dusts in your workplace.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and materials in the workplace can cause a number of illnesses, such as interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can increase the chance of workers developing cancer, especially mesothelioma which is a type of cancer linked to inhaling microscopic fibers of asbestos. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are limited treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring could impact the ability of your lungs to absorb oxygen and deliver it to your body. It can cause breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and live an active lifestyle. They might prescribe medication and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to lessen the symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow down the growth of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine Cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone, and cytotoxic drugs. Other medications can include rituximab. It is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The signs of interstitial lung conditions are different for every person, and can range from mild to severe. Usually, they come on slowly over time, or even years and become more severe as lung damage increases. Breathing problems are often the first sign of ILD. It becomes worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes including diesel and coal exhaust, can suffer from a variety respiratory illnesses. These conditions can result in a severe impairment to the quality of life and make it difficult to perform their duties and function normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for occupational illnesses if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.