Emphysema Caused by Railroad ExposuresRailroad workers are often exposed to dangerous chemical substances and dust while on the job. This includes silica, diesel exhaust fumes and coal dust.These substances can trigger the lung condition emphysema, or other conditions. Emphysema creates large holes (bullae) in the lungs. These holes decrease the size of the air sacs, making breathing difficult.Signs and symptomsIn emphysema the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs get damaged. The damage blocks the lungs from expanding when they breathe. In the end you might experience shortness of breath and feel weak. The symptoms become more evident in the final stages of the illness.When the alveoli's walls fall down, they create an alveoli-like pouch or bubble inside your lungs. These pockets can trap air and make your chest appear more full. The decreased number of alveoli lowers the amount of oxygen that gets into your bloodstream.If the emphysema progresses it could cause serious issues that could be life-threatening. For instance, it can increase the risk of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). It can also put stress on your heart, which makes you more likely to get infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. It can also create large holes in the lungs, known as bullae. This reduces the amount of space available to the lung to expand and could cause breathing problems.Railroad workers who can prove that on-the-job exposure to diesel exhaust dust and fumes has caused emphysema are entitled to financial compensation. Our law firm can help you get the compensation you're due. We're committed to assisting you through the entire process of filing claims. Contact us for more details on how we can help.DiagnosisThe best way to diagnose emphysema is by performing an examination. mds caused by railroad how to get a settlement will examine your lungs for sounds by using a medical device, also known as an Stethoscope. They can hear the emphysematic changes in your lungs and see signs of this condition on your chest CT scan or X-ray.Your doctor may also measure your pulmonary function in order to determine how well you breathe and exhale. Tests for pulmonary function include spirometry and arterial blood gas (ABG). ABG examines the amount oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can determine the need for additional oxygen.Treatment can slow down the progress of emphysema, and improve your quality. aml caused by railroad how to get a settlement can also decrease the chance of complications like heart disease. Bullae are empty spaces that can develop in the lungs of those who suffer from severe emphysema. They can be as large as half the size of the lungs and reduce its overall surface area. Patients with a massive bullous emphysema are more at risk of having a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).The railroad companies have the capacity to prevent tens and thousands of railway workers from developing lung diseases that can be debilitating. FELA allows railroad companies to be held responsible for their failure to take action. People who work for railroads and are exposed on the job to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic materials are able to bring personal injury and wrongful death claims.TreatmentIt is difficult for your lungs to move oxygen out and back in because the walls between the air sacs have been damaged. In time, this can cause enlarged lungs, which make it difficult to breathe and can cause you to cough more often. This is referred to as stage 3 or severe Emphysema.Emphysema is not curable however, you can take steps to manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life. You can try to avoid the irritants that cause irritation, such as secondhand smoke chemicals and air pollution and dusts in your workplace and at home. You can also follow a regular exercise program to help strengthen your lungs.If you're diagnosed with emphysema, your physician may recommend a pulmonary function test. aml caused by railroad how to get a settlement could include spirometry. It tests how well your lungs exhale and inhale. It can also detect lung inflammation and determine if you have an airway obstruction or other respiratory ailments. Your doctor might also recommend an arterial blood gas test (ABG) which measures carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood.The best method to avoid Emphysema is by stopping smoking and to avoid breathing in second-hand smoke. This is not always easy for certain people. Especially if they are diagnosed with COPD. People who have been exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust and other chemicals in the workplace should seek compensation for long-term health issues from their former railroad employers under FELA.SettlementA significant portion of railroad workers develop debilitating lung diseases like Emphysema or other respiratory diseases because of their work-related exposures to diesel exhaust, asbestos and other toxic materials. Railroad workers who can prove their work caused or aggravated pulmonary diseases may be entitled to financial compensation. The FELA statute allows for claims of comparative negligence. This means even if a railroad employee smoked cigarettes and their health issues were partially caused by smoking cigarettes, they are still partially liable. Our legal team is ready to help injured railroad employees obtain the compensation they deserve.