Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers may suffer from a variety of lung diseases that include pulmonary fibrosis as well as mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD. Some types of interstitial pulmonary disease are progressive. This means they worsen over time. The prognosis of the idiopathic lung disease can be poor. Risk Factors Many railroad workers are at risk of developing debilitating lung conditions. Particularly, those who have worked for a long time in an industrial environment are often exposed to toxins and fumes that could cause interstitial lung disease. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to travel through. The most common reason for interstitial lung disease from railroads is prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can cause COPD and other health issues such as respiratory failure and cancer of the lung. Other causes of interstitial lung disease in railroad workers are smoking, chronically, and exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include an ancestor's history of hepatitis or tuberculosis and other comorbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD. A few railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. This has led to a high rate of lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibroids, among career railroaders. The families of railroaders who have been affected by these ailments might be able to file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad to recover damages. This could include medical costs, lost wages, discomfort and pain, and other damages due to the wrong diagnosis. Symptoms The most common symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease include shortness of breath and dry cough that does not disappear. In time, the condition may cause other issues that make it difficult or impossible for people to receive enough oxygen. For instance, it could cause breathing problems or life-threatening complications like respiratory or heart failure. union pacific railroad lawsuit of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include fatigue, clubbing in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrisis. This scarring of lung tissue prevents the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis can also suffer from sleep problems and other immune-related symptoms. Inhaling asbestos may cause severe scarring of the lungs and causes a range of other ailments. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining in the chest cavity. It can also cause the fibrosis type in the lungs, known as asbestosis, and other conditions such as silicosis. Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment, as well as track maintenance. Workers may be able to recover damages from FELA lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses. Diagnosis If you suffer from interstitial lung disease, the parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the ability of your lungs to bring oxygen into blood and deliver it to other tissues of the body. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If left untreated the damage can turn grave and life-threatening. To identify interstitial lung diseases Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation and other issues in the lung. These tests may include pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lung function, tests for blood, imaging and a lung biopsy. You are required to provide your medical background. This includes a list of all medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or any other health issue. You should also inform your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, metal dusts, or other fumes or dusts in your workplace. Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances in the workplace may cause many ailments, including interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes can increase the risk of cancer in workers and their families, particularly mesothelioma. The cancer is connected to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced 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 can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can impact the way that your lungs absorb oxygen and then move it around your body. It can lead to breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There is no cure for ILD However, doctors can manage your symptoms and help you live a normal life. They can prescribe medications as well as oxygen supplemental therapy or physical therapy to lessen your symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow the progress of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic drugs such as azathioprine as well as cyclophosphamide and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab, another medication, can be used to treat autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary from mild to severe. Usually, they develop slowly over months or years and worsen as lung damage increases. The most common sign of ILD is a shortness of breath that increases when you exercise or exert yourself. Rail workers exposed to fumes and dust, such as coal exhaust and diesel may suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These conditions can cause a serious impairment in quality of life and make it difficult to perform and work normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for work-related illness if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.
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