Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial lung diseases are progressive, meaning they will get worse as time goes by. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis isn't good.
Risk wasatch railroad contractors lawsuit are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Railroad workers, especially those who work in a work environment are often exposed to toxic fumes and other toxins that can cause lung diseases called interstitial. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through.
The most common reason for railroad interstitial lung disease is exposure to long-term diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can cause COPD and other health issues like respiratory failure, cancer and even lung cancer.
Other causes of railroad interstitial lungs disease are exposure to wood dust, stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include a history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history, as well as comorbidities like GERD malignancy, GERD, or diabetes.
A few railroad companies failed to inform their workers of the dangers of railroad work. This has resulted in the prevalence of lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids among railroaders who are employed. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these illnesses can bring a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as discomfort and pain, as well as other damages due to the wrongful diagnosis.
Symptoms
The most frequent symptoms of railroad interstitial lung diseases are shortness of breath as well as dry cough that doesn't go away. Over time, the condition can lead to other health issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. It can lead to life-threatening complications such as asthma or heart or respiratory failure.
Some of the most severe symptoms of interstitial lung disease caused by railroads are fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis that causes scarring in lung tissue, and prevents the lung tissues from supplying oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos can cause severe scarring of the lungs and can lead to other illnesses. It can cause cancer such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining inside the chest cavity. It can also cause the fibrosis type in the lungs called asbestosis and other conditions like silicosis.
Workers in rail yards are typically exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust that come from the freight train equipment and from maintenance work on tracks. Getting a FELA lawsuit can help workers get compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other costs.
Diagnosis
Interstitial lung disease causes scarring and deterioration to parts of the lungs. The scarring affects the lungs' capacity to deliver oxygen to the blood and other tissues. This can cause dry cough, fatigue, and breathlessness during activity. If untreated the damage can become grave and life-threatening.
The doctor will conduct medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems with the lung. These tests could include pulmonary function tests to assess how your lung function and function, tests for blood, imaging and a lung biopsy. You'll have to give your medical history, including the list of medications you take as well as whether anyone in your family has connective tissue diseases or other health issues. You should also inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos, dusts, or other fumes and dusts at work.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause several diseases, including interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes can increase the chance of developing cancer among workers, especially mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad, contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file an action.
Treatment
Interstitial lung disease, which causes scarring and inflammation of the lungs, offers limited treatments. The scarring could impact the ability of your lungs to take in oxygen and deliver it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can help you manage your symptoms and maintain the normal routine of your life. They may prescribe medications and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to lessen your symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow the development of lung scarring. Certain of these medications include corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medications 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 for each person and can vary from mild to severe. They typically progress slowly over months, or even years, and then get worse as lung damage gets worse. A shortness of breath is often the first sign of ILD. It can get worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Rail workers exposed to fumes, dust and dust particles such as diesel and coal exhaust can suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These conditions can result in a severe 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 work-related illnesses when they fail to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.