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Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are susceptible to a variety of lung diseases which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. They also have a higher chance of developing COPD because of exposure to diesel fumes.
Some types of interstitial pulmonary disease are progressive, which means they become worse over time. The prognosis for Idiopathic lung fibrosis may be poor.
Risk Factors
Many csx railroad lawsuit; content, workers are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent a long time working in industrial environments are often exposed to toxins and fumes that can cause interstitial lung disease. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring to the lungs which makes it more difficult for oxygen to flow through.
The most common cause of interstitial lung disease in railroads is prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes cause irritation to the lungs and can cause COPD and other health issues such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of interstitial lung diseases in railroads include smoking a lot and exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include having a history of hepatitis in the family, tuberculosis or pneumonia as well as co-morbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.
Some railroad companies have been unable to inform their employees of the dangers of working on railroads. The result is a high incidence of serious lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis in railroad workers who are employed. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these ailments can sue the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. The lawsuit could be able to cover medical expenses and wages lost and pain and suffering and other damages due to the wrong diagnosis.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of railroad interstitial lung diseases are shortness of breath and dry cough that doesn’t disappear. As time passes, the illness can lead to other health issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. It could lead to life-threatening complications such as respiratory or heart failure.
Some of the most severe symptoms of interstitial lung disease caused by railroads include fatigue, the rubbing of the fingers and toes and the growth of pulmonaryfibrosis which causes scarring in the lung tissue and stops the lung from supplying oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep issues and other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos can cause serious scarring of the lungs and causes a range of other diseases. It can 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 form of fibrosis known as asbestosis in the lungs, and other conditions like silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment, as well as maintenance of tracks. Workers can seek damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Diagnosis
Institial lung disease is a cause of scarring and deterioration to parts of the lung. The scarring affects the lungs’ capacity to supply oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can lead to a dry cough and fatigue when you exercise. If not treated, the injury could be life-threatening.
To diagnose interstitial lung disorders the doctor will perform medical tests to detect inflammation and other conditions in the lungs. These tests may include pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs function in a healthy way, blood tests, imaging tests and lung biopsy. You’ll need to provide your medical history, including a list of any medications you take and whether any members of your family suffer from connective tissue disorders or other health conditions. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, csx railroad lawsuit metal dusts, or any other fumes or dusts in your workplace.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause several diseases, including interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase the chance of workers developing cancer, especially mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is caused by inhaling microscopic fibers of asbestos. Contact our knowledgeable 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
Interstitial lung disease that results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, has limited options for csx railroad lawsuit treatment. The scarring could impact the ability of your lungs to take in oxygen and transport it to your body. It could lead to breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrisis or interstitial pneumonia as well as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
There is no cure for ILD however, doctors can manage your symptoms and help you maintain a normal lifestyle. They might prescribe medication and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to lessen your symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow the development of lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids, anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine the cyclophosphamide drug, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab is another drug that can be used to treat autoimmune disorders.
The signs and symptoms of interstitial lung symptoms vary for each individual and can range from mild to severe. They usually develop slowly over months or even years, and worsen as the damage to the lung gets worse. Shortness of breath is often the first indication of ILD. It becomes more severe when you exercise or exert yourself.
Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust such as diesel and coal exhaust, can suffer from a variety of serious respiratory illnesses. These conditions can lead to serious impairment to the health and could make it difficult for them to work and perform tasks normally. Railroads that fail to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment may be held accountable for this kind of work-related illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.