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.
Certain types of interstitial pulmonary diseases progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis isn't great.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk of developing chronic lung conditions. Railroad workers, especially those who have spent years in an industrial setting, are frequently exposed to fumes and toxins which can lead to interstitial lung diseases. This is because long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring which makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the primary cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes cause irritation to the lungs. They can cause COPD and other health issues such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.
Other causes of the railroad interstitial lungs disease include exposure to wood dust, metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include having a history of hepatitis in the family or tuberculosis as well as other comorbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.
Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers about the dangers of railroad work. This has led to the high prevalence of serious lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis among railroaders who work in the field. Families of railroaders who suffered from these conditions could be eligible to file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad to recover damages. The lawsuit could be able to cover medical expenses as well as loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages due to the incorrect diagnosis.
class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad and symptoms
The most common symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath and dry cough that doesn't go away. Over time, the condition can lead to other problems that make it difficult or impossible for patients to receive enough oxygen. For instance, it can cause pneumonia or life-threatening complications like respiratory or heart failure.
The most serious symptoms of interstitial lung disease caused by railroads are fatigue, joint pain in the toes and fingers, and the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring of the lung tissue and blocks the lung tissue from providing oxygen to the body. People with pulmonary fibrosis can also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms.
Asbestos inhalation can cause severe lung scarring and could lead to other diseases. It may cause cancer such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining of the chest cavity. It can also cause a type of fibrosis in the lungs called asbestosis and other conditions, such as silicosis.
Workers in rail yards are often exposed to fumes, chemicals and dust from the freight train equipment as well as from maintenance work on tracks. A FELA lawsuit can help workers recover damages for their medical costs, lost wages, and other costs.
Diagnosis
When you have interstitial lung diseases, certain parts of your lung are damaged and scarred. The scarring reduces the ability of your lungs to pump oxygen into the blood and deliver it to other tissues of the body. This could result in a dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath with activity. If untreated, the damage can become grave and life-threatening.
Your doctor will recommend medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems with the lung. These tests could include pulmonary functions tests to assess how your lungs function and function, blood tests, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. You are required to provide your medical history. This includes a list of all medications you're taking and if you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issue. It is also important to inform your doctor if have been exposed to silica, asbestos, dusts, or any other fumes and dusts while at work.
Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause several illnesses, such as interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase workers' chances of being diagnosed with cancer, including 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 of the railroad to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are a few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can affect the way your lungs absorb oxygen and transport it to your body. It can cause breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
ILD is not curable, but doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and lead a normal life. They may prescribe medication as well as oxygen supplemental therapy or physical therapy to lessen the symptoms. They can also use medications to slow the progress of the lung scarring. These medications include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic drugs such as azathioprine Cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone, and cytotoxic drugs. Other drugs include rituximab, a drug used to treat autoimmune disorders.
The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary illness can vary from mild to severe. Typically, they show up slowly over months or years and then get worse as lung damage worsens. The breath shortness is usually the first indication 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 develop serious respiratory conditions. These ailments can cause serious impairment to the health and could make it difficult for them to work and function normally. Railroads that do not provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment could be held accountable for this kind of work-related illness as per the Federal Employers Liability Act.