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Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers may suffer from various lung diseases which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. They also have a higher chance of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.
Some forms of interstitial lung disease are progressive, meaning they become worse over time. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrisis is not good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing debilitating lung conditions. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent a long time working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes which can cause interstitial lung diseases. This is due to the fact that long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to flow through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are a major cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes are extremely irritating to the lungs, and could cause COPD, as well as other respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of interstitial lung disease in railroad workers include smoking a lot and exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include an history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history as well as comorbidities like GERD, malignancy, and diabetes.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers of the dangers of railroad work. This has resulted in the prevalence of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among railroaders who are employed. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these ailments can bring a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical costs and wages lost and pain and suffering and other damages resulting from the wrongful diagnosis.
Symptoms
A shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough are the most frequent symptoms. Over time, the condition could lead to other health issues that make it difficult or impossible for people to get sufficient oxygen. It can lead to life-threatening complications, like pneumonia or heart or respiratory failure.
The most serious symptoms of interstitial lung disease caused by railroads are fatigue, clubbing of the fingers and toes, and the development of pulmonary fibrosis that causes scarring in lung tissue, and prevents the lungs from supplying oxygen to the body. Patients who develop pulmonary fibrisis may also experience difficulty breathing during sleep and other symptoms related to the immune system.
Inhaling asbestos may cause severe scarring of the lungs and can cause other diseases. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining in the chest cavity. It can also trigger an ailment in the lungs known as asbestosis and other conditions such as silicosis.
Rail yard workers are exposed to chemicals, dust and fumes from freight train equipment as well as maintenance of track. Workers can claim damages through FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
Diagnosis
If you suffer from interstitial lung disease, parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring limits the ability of your lungs to pump oxygen into the blood and transport it to other tissues in the body. This can cause dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath with activity. If not treated the damage could become grave and life-threatening.
To diagnose interstitial lung disorders, your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation and other conditions in the lung. They may include pulmonary function tests that assess how well your lungs work as well as blood tests, an lung biopsy and imaging tests. You are required to provide your medical background. This includes a list of all the medicines you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or any other health condition. You should also tell your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos or metal dusts, or other fumes and dusts at work.
The exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a myriad of health issues, including interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes increase the risk of cancer in workers and workers, including mesothelioma. This cancer is linked to asbestos fibers. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads and you are interested in contacting our knowledgeable FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit.
Treatment
There are few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring could impact the capacity of your lungs to absorb oxygen and transport it to your body. class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad can cause breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and lead your normal lifestyle. They may prescribe physical therapy, oxygen supplemental or medication to lessen your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow down the growth of the lung scarring. Some of these medicines include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and the pirfenidone. Other drugs include rituximab which is used to treat autoimmune disorders.
The symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary from mild to severe. They typically progress slowly over months, or even years, and then get worse as the lung damage worsens. The breath shortness is usually the first sign of ILD. It can get worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Rail workers who are exposed to fumes and dust like coal exhaust and diesel can suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These conditions can result in a serious impairment in quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform work and live 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.