Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers can suffer from a variety of lung ailments which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Some types of interstitial pulmonary disease are progressive, meaning they worsen over time. The prognosis of Idiopathic lung fibrosis may be poor.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. Particularly, railroad workers who have spent their entire lives working in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes that can cause interstitial lung disease. This is due to long-term exposure to toxic chemicals could cause scarring of the lungs which makes it difficult for oxygen to travel through.Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lungs disease. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs. They can cause COPD and other health issues, such as respiratory failure and lung cancer.Other causes of railroad interstitial lung disease include environmental exposure to stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include the presence of a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis and complications such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes and GERD.Certain railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers associated with working in railroads. This has resulted in a high rate of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among career railroaders. Multiple myeloma lawsuit of railroad workers who suffer from these ailments can file a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) for damages. This could include medical costs, lost wages, pain and discomfort, and other damages resulting from the wrong diagnosis.Signs and symptomsA shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough are the most common symptoms. Over Multiple myeloma lawsuit , the illness can lead to other problems that make it difficult or impossible for patients to get sufficient oxygen. It could result in life-threatening complications, such as asthma or heart or respiratory failure.Some of the most severe symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease include fatigue, the rubbing of the fingers and toes and the growth of pulmonaryfibrosis which causes scarring in the lung tissue and blocks the lungs from supplying oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis might have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.Inhaling asbestos can cause serious scarring in the lungs, and can cause other diseases. It can cause cancer, like mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It can also lead to the form of fibrosis known as asbestosis in lungs and other conditions such as silicosis.Workers in rail yards are frequently exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust from equipment used in freight trains and track maintenance work. The filing of a FELA lawsuit can help workers recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.DiagnosisIf you suffer from interstitial lung diseases, certain parts of your lung tissue are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the ability of the lungs to deliver oxygen to the blood and other tissues. This can lead to a dry cough, fatigue and breathing problems during activities. If left untreated the damage can turn grave and life-threatening.The doctor will conduct medical tests to detect inflammation or other issues in the lung. They may include pulmonary function tests that measure the efficiency of your lungs through blood tests, imaging test and lung biopsy. You'll have to give your medical history, including a list of any medicines you take and if you or your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or other health conditions. You will also need to inform your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, dusts, or other odors and dusts while at work.Exposure to harmful substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a range of illnesses such as interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase workers' chances of developing cancer, especially mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer linked to inhaling asbestos-like fibers in microscopic sizes. Contact our knowledgeable FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads to discuss your options.TreatmentThere are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD), which causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can affect the ability of your lungs to take in oxygen and transport it to your body. It can cause breathing problems like pulmonary fibrosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.There is no cure for ILD, but doctors can treat your symptoms and help you maintain your normal life. They may prescribe medications and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to reduce your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. Some of these include corticosteroids as well as cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medicines like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and pirfenidone. Other medications can include rituximab, a drug used to treat autoimmune disorders.The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease are different for each person and can range from mild to severe. Typically, they show up slowly over time, or even years and worsen as lung damage worsens. Kidney cancer lawsuit of ILD is shortness of breath which gets worse after exercise or exertion.Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust including diesel and coal exhaust, can suffer from a variety respiratory conditions. bnsf lawsuit can cause severe impairment to the quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform work and live normally. Railroads that failed to provide adequate ventilation or safety equipment could be held responsible for this kind of occupational illness under the Federal Employers Liability Act.