Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease Railroad workers may suffer from a variety of lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. They also have a higher chance of developing COPD because of exposure to diesel fumes. Some types of interstitial diseases progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis of the idiopathic lung disease can be poor. Risk Factors Many railroad workers are at risk of developing chronic lung conditions. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent their entire lives working in an industrial environment are often exposed to toxins and fumes, which can cause interstitial lung diseases. This is due to the fact that long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring in the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to travel through. The most frequent reason for railroad interstitial lung disease is long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes are extremely irritating to the lungs and may cause COPD and other health issues such as lung cancer and respiratory failure. Other causes of the railroad interstitial lungs disease are exposure to wood dust, metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include a history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history and comorbidities, such as GERD, malignancy, and diabetes. A few railroad companies have failed to warn their employees about the dangers of working on railroads. This has resulted in the prevalence of lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibroids, among career railroaders. 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 expenses as well as lost wages, discomfort and pain, and other damages that result from the wrong diagnosis. Signs and symptoms The most frequently reported symptoms of interstitial lung disease in railroads include shortness of breath and a dry cough that does not go away. As time passes, 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 respiratory or heart failure. The most severe signs of the disease include fatigue, pain in the toes and fingers and pulmonary fibrous. This scarring of the lung tissue prevents the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms. Inhaling asbestos can cause severe lung scarring that can cause a variety of other diseases. It may 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 an ailment in the lungs known as asbestosis, and other conditions, such as silicosis. Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from freight train equipment, as well as maintenance of tracks. The filing of a FELA lawsuit can help workers recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and other costs. Diagnosis If you suffer from interstitial lung disease, parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring reduces the ability of the lungs in delivering oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If left untreated, the harm could be life-threatening. To diagnose interstitial lung diseases the doctor will perform medical tests to detect inflammation and other problems in the lungs. They may include pulmonary function tests that determine the efficiency of your lungs and function, blood tests, lung biopsy and imaging tests. You will be asked to submit your medical background. This includes a list of all medications you're taking and whether any of your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issue. You should inform your doctor if you were exposed to asbestos, metal dusts, dusts made of silica or any other odors while working. Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause a myriad of health issues such as interstitial lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can raise workers' chances of developing cancer, particularly mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is caused by inhaling microscopic fibers of asbestos. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with railroad pulmonary fibrosis contact our skilled FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file a lawsuit. Treatment Interstitial lung disease, which results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, has a limited treatments. The scarring may impact the way that your lungs take in oxygen and transport it to your body. It can cause breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There is class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad for ILD However, doctors can treat your symptoms and assist you maintain your normal life. They might prescribe medication such as supplemental oxygen or physical therapy to reduce the symptoms. They can also use medications to slow down the growth of the lung scarring. These include corticosteroids as well as anti-fibrotic drugs such as azathioprine cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Rituximab is another drug that can be used to treat autoimmune disorders. The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease can vary from mild to severe. Usually, they manifest slowly over months or years and get worse as the lung damage gets worse. Often, the first sign of ILD is shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or exertion. Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust like diesel and coal exhaust, may suffer from a variety respiratory illnesses. These conditions can result in a significant impairment in the quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform work and live normally. Railroads that do not provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment can be held responsible for this type of work-related injury under the Federal Employers Liability Act.
class action lawsuit against norfolk southern railroad
