Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are susceptible to a variety of lung ailments such as pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Many also have a higher risk of developing COPD because of exposure to diesel fumes.
Certain types of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis can be poor.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk of developing chronic lung conditions. Particularly, workers who have spent decades working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes that could lead to interstitial lung disease. Exposure to toxic chemicals for a long time can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through.
The most frequent cause of railroad interstitial lung disease is prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. cancer lawsuit can cause COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure and cancer of the lung.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lung disease include chronic smoking and environmental exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include having a history of hepatitis in the family, tuberculosis or pneumonia and co-morbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.
A few railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers associated with working in railroads. This has led to a high rate of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among career railroaders. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these ailments can sue the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. union pacific railroad lawsuit could be able to cover medical expenses and wages lost and pain and suffering and other damages related to the wrong diagnosis.
Symptoms
The breath is short and a persistent dry cough are the most typical symptoms. In time, the condition can cause other problems that make it difficult for people to breathe. It can cause life-threatening complications such as breathing problems, pneumonia, or heart failure.
The most severe signs of pulmonary disease caused by railroads include fatigue, clubbing in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. The scarring of lung tissue blocks the lungs' ability to supply oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos can cause serious scarring in the lungs, and may lead to the development of other diseases. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma. It is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining in the chest cavity. union pacific railroad lawsuit can also lead to an ailment in the lungs called asbestosis and other conditions such as silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment and maintenance of track. Making cancer lawsuit will allow workers to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and other costs.
Diagnosis
Interstitial lung disease can cause scarring and deterioration to parts of the lungs. The scarring limits the ability of your lungs to pump oxygen into the blood and deliver it to other tissues in the body. This can cause dry cough, fatigue, and breathlessness during activity. If not treated the damage can become serious and life threatening.
To identify interstitial lung diseases, your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation and other issues within the lung. These tests can include pulmonary functions tests to measure how well your lungs function, testing for blood, imaging tests and lung biopsy. You will need to give your medical history, which includes the list of all medications you take and whether any members of your family suffer from connective tissue disease or other health conditions. You will need to tell your physician if exposed to asbestos, metal dusts or dusts made of silica or any other fumes when working.
Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause a range of illnesses which include lung diseases interstitial like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes can increase the chance of cancer in workers particularly mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. Contact our knowledgeable FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which causes 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 lead to breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can help you manage your symptoms and maintain a normal life. They may prescribe the use of oxygen therapy, supplements to your diet or medications to ease your symptoms. They can also use medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. These include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine Cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone, and cytotoxic drugs. Other medications can include rituximab, which is used to treat autoimmune disorders.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease can vary from mild to severe. They typically take time to develop over months or even years, and then get worse as lung damage gets worse. Shortness of breath is often the first indication of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Rail workers exposed to dust and fumes such as coal exhaust and diesel can develop respiratory illnesses that are serious. These conditions can result in a serious impairment in quality of life and make it difficult to perform work and live normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can make railroads accountable for occupational illnesses if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.