Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers are susceptible to various lung diseases which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. There is also a higher chance of developing COPD because of exposure to diesel fumes. Esophageal cancer lawsuit of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrosis isn't good.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers are susceptible to developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Railroad workers, especially those who have worked for a long time in industrial settings are often exposed to fumes and toxins which can lead to interstitial lung diseases. This is because exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring to the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through.The most frequent cause of interstitial lung disease in railroads is prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel fumes can trigger COPD and other health problems like respiratory failure and cancer of the lung. Interstitial lung disease lawsuit of the railroad interstitial lungs disease include environmental exposure to wood dust, metal dust or stone dust. Other risk factors include the presence of hepatitis (including tuberculosis) or pneumonia, or a family history as well as comorbidities like GERD malignancy, GERD, or diabetes.Some railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. This has led to the high prevalence of serious lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis among career railroaders. The families of railroaders who have been affected by these ailments could be eligible to file a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could include medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, as well as other damages that result from the wrongful diagnosis.SymptomsShortness of breath and dry coughing are the most common symptoms. As time passes, the condition can lead to other health issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. For instance, it may cause pneumonia or life-threatening complications such as respiratory or heart failure.The most severe symptoms of pulmonary disease caused by railroads include fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of lung tissue blocks the lungs' ability to supply oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis may also experience sleep difficulties and other immune-related symptoms.Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring and can cause a variety of other illnesses. It can cause cancer such as mesothelioma. This is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining in the chest cavity. It may also lead to a form of fibrosis called asbestosis in lungs and other conditions such as silicosis.People who work in rail yards are usually exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust that come from the freight train equipment and from maintenance work on tracks. A FELA lawsuit can help workers recover damages for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.DiagnosisWhen you have interstitial lung disease(ILD), parts of your lung tissue are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the lungs' ability to pump oxygen into the blood and transport it to other tissues of the body. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If not treated, the injury could be life-threatening.To identify interstitial lung diseases your doctor will conduct medical tests to detect inflammation and other conditions in the lungs. These could include pulmonary function tests that measure how well your lungs function and function, blood tests, lung biopsy, and imaging tests. It is important to disclose your medical history, including the list of all medications you are taking and whether anyone in your family has connective tissue diseases or any other health issues. It is important to inform your physician if exposed to asbestos, metal dusts, dusts of silica, or any other fumes when working.Exposure to toxic materials and chemicals in the workplace could cause a range of illnesses, including interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes and other fumes increase the risk of developing cancer among workers and their families, particularly mesothelioma. Norfolk Southern Railway lawsuit is connected to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads to discuss your options.TreatmentThere are limited treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring may alter the way your lungs absorb oxygen and then move it around your body. It can cause breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.There is no cure for ILD however, doctors can treat your symptoms and assist you maintain your normal life. They may prescribe medication, supplemental oxygen, or physical therapy to help reduce your symptoms. They can also prescribe medications to slow the development of lung scarring. These include corticosteroids and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine as well as cyclophosphamide and cytotoxic drugs. Other medications can include rituximab, which is used to treat autoimmune disorders.Symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary for each person and can vary from mild to severe. Usually, they develop slowly over a period of months or years and become more severe as lung damage becomes more severe. A shortness of breath is often the first sign of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or work out.Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust like diesel and coal exhaust, may suffer from a variety respiratory illnesses. These ailments can cause severe impairment in quality of life and make it difficult for them to function and work normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can bring railroads to account for work-related illness if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.