Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers can be affected by various lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Certain types of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis can be poor.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers are at risk of developing lung problems that can be debilitating. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent decades working in a factory environment are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes which can lead to interstitial lung disease. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs. This makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through.The most common cause of interstitial lung disease in railroads is long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can trigger COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure, cancer and even lung cancer.Other causes of the railroad interstitial lungs illness include exposure to metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include an hepatitis history (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history along with comorbidities like GERD, malignancy, and diabetes.Certain railroad companies have failed to warn their employees about the dangers of railroad work. This has led to a high rate of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among professional railroaders. Families of railroad workers who have suffered from these ailments may make a claim against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical expenses or wages lost, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the wrongful diagnosis.SymptomsThe most commonly reported symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath and dry cough that doesn't go away. As time passes, the condition could lead to other issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. For example, it can cause pneumonia or life-threatening conditions such as heart or respiratory failure.The most severe signs of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include fatigue, joint pain in the toes and fingers and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of the lung tissue makes it difficult for the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. Patients who develop pulmonary fibrisis may also experience breathing difficulties while sleeping and other symptoms connected to the immune system.Inhaling asbestos can cause severe lung scarring and causes a range of other illnesses. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma which is a rare cancer that affects organs and the lining of the chest cavity. It can also lead to the form of fibrosis known as asbestosis in the lungs as well as other conditions like silicosis.The workers who work in rail yards are often exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust from the freight train equipment and from maintenance tasks on the tracks. The filing of a FELA lawsuit will allow workers to recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs.DiagnosisInterstitial lung disease can cause scarring and damage to various parts of the lung. BNSF Railway lawsuit hinders the lungs' ability to get oxygen into the bloodstream and to transport it to other tissues in the body. This can result in a dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If untreated, the damage can become serious and life threatening.To diagnose interstitial lung diseases your doctor will conduct medical tests to determine inflammation and other problems in the lung. These tests could include pulmonary function tests to gauge how your lung function as well as testing for blood, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. You'll need to provide your medical history, including a list of any medications you take and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health issues. BNSF Railway lawsuit should inform your physician if exposed to asbestos, metal dusts or dusts of silica, or any other odors while working.Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause a variety of illnesses such as interstitial lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. csx lawsuit -term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase workers' chances of developing cancer, especially mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is linked to breathing in asbestos-like fibers in microscopic sizes. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pulmonary cancer from railroads contact our skilled FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss the options available to file a lawsuit.TreatmentThere are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD) that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring may alter the way your lungs absorb oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial pneumonia as well as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.There is no cure for ILD, but doctors can manage your symptoms and help you maintain your normal life. They can prescribe medications as well as oxygen supplemental therapy or physical therapy to ease the symptoms. They can also prescribe medications to slow down the growth of lung scarring. These include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine cyclophosphamide, pirfenidone and cytotoxic drugs. Other medications include rituximab which is used to treat autoimmune diseases.The symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary from mild to severe. They usually develop slowly over months or even years, and they can get worse as lung damage gets worse. Shortness of breath is often the first indication of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or exert yourself.Railroad workers who were exposed to dusts and fumes such as diesel and coal exhaust, can develop a variety respiratory conditions. These ailments can cause severe impairment to the quality of life and make it difficult for them to function and work normally. Railroads that failed to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment may be held responsible for this kind of work-related illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.