Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers are at risk of developing lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Some types of interstitial disease progress, meaning they become worse with time. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is poor.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers may develop lung conditions that are debilitating. Railroad workers, particularly those who have worked for a long time in industrial settings, are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes that can trigger lung diseases called interstitial. This is because exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs and make it more difficult for oxygen to pass through.Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lungs disease. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs and may cause COPD, as well as other health issues like lung cancer and respiratory failure.Other causes of railroad interstitial lung disease include exposure to stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include an hepatitis history (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history and comorbidities, such as GERD malignancy, GERD, or diabetes.Certain railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. The result is a high incidence of serious lung ailments like lung fibrosis, which is a common condition among railroaders in their careers. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these illnesses can bring a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the wrong diagnosis.SymptomsThe most commonly reported symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease include shortness of breath and dry cough that doesn't go away. In time, the condition may lead to other problems that make it difficult for people to breathe. For example, it can cause respiratory infections or life-threatening complications like respiratory or heart failure.The most severe symptoms of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrisis. This scarring of the lung tissue hinders the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. union pacific railroad lawsuit who develop pulmonary fibrisis may also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms related to the immune system.Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring and leads to a number of other illnesses. 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 may also lead to an inflammatory condition known as asbestosis in lungs and other conditions, such as silicosis.Workers in rail yards are often exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust from freight train equipment as well as from maintenance tasks on the tracks. Getting a FELA lawsuit can help workers get compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other costs.DiagnosisWhen you have interstitial lung disease, parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring hinders the lungs' ability to draw oxygen into bloodstream and then transport it to other tissues in the body. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If not addressed, the problem could be life-threatening.Your doctor will order medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems in the lungs. These tests can include pulmonary function tests to gauge how your lungs function and function, testing for blood, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. It is important to disclose your medical history, including the list of all medications you are taking and whether any members of your family suffer from connective tissue disease or other health conditions. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, or any other fumes or dusts in your workplace.Exposure to toxic chemicals and materials in the workplace may cause several ailments, including interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes can raise the chance of workers developing cancer, particularly mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers in microscopic size. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary disease from the railroad to discuss your options.TreatmentInterstitial lung disease, which causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs, has limited treatments. The scarring could impact the capacity of your lungs to absorb oxygen and transport it to your body. It could cause breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrisis, interstitial pneumonia, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. lung cancer lawsuit is not curable, however doctors can assist you in managing your symptoms and live your normal lifestyle. They may prescribe medication, supplemental oxygen, or physical therapy to help reduce your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progression of lung scarring. cancer lawsuit of these include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and Pirfenidone. Rituximab is a different medication that can be used to treat autoimmune disorders.The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease can vary from mild to severe. They typically develop slowly over months or even years, and then get worse as the damage to the lung gets worse. The most common sign of ILD is a shortness in breath that increases after exercise or exertion.Rail workers exposed to fumes and dust such as coal exhaust and diesel may suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These ailments can cause an extreme impairment in quality of life, which could make it difficult for them to perform their duties and work. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for work-related illnesses if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.