Emphysema Caused by Railroad ExposuresRailroad workers are often exposed to dangerous chemicals and particulates while on the job. This includes silica, diesel exhaust fumes and coal dust.These substances can trigger emphysema and various lung conditions. Emphysema creates large holes (bullae) in the lung. These holes decrease the size of the air sacs and make breathing difficult.Signs and symptomsIn emphysema, the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs get damaged. This damage prevents the lungs from expanding when they breathe. In the end you may experience shortness of breath and feel weak. The symptoms are more apparent during the last stages of the disease.When the alveoli's walls break, it forms the appearance of a bubble or pouch within your lungs. These pockets could hold in air and make your chest appear bigger. The decrease in the number of alveoli can reduce the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.It could cause serious health issues or even death, if the emphysema has advanced. It can increase the risk of a collapsed lungs (pneumothorax). It also puts strain on your heart, making you more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. It could also lead to large holes in your lungs, called bullae, which decreases the amount of space available to the lung to expand. This could cause breathing problems.Rail workers who can prove that their emphysema resulted from exposure to dust, diesel fumes or exhaust while working are eligible for compensation. Our law firm can assist you in getting the money you deserve. We are committed to helping you through the entire process of submitting an claim. Contact us for more information on how we can help.DiagnosisA physical exam is the best way to diagnose Emphysema. A healthcare professional will listen to your lung sounds with an instrument that is used for medical purposes called the Stethoscope (auscultation). They can hear the emphysematic change in your lungs, and detect signs of this condition on your chest CT scan or an X-ray.The doctor may also test your pulmonary function to measure how well your lungs inhale and exhale air. The tests for pulmonary function include spirometry (spirometry) and arterial blood gases (ABG). An ABG is a test that measures the amount oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood through an artery, which will help determine if require additional oxygen.Emphysema can't be reversed, but treatment can slow the progress and improve your quality of life. lung cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can also reduce the chance of complications such as heart disease. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can develop spaces of empty space in the lung, which are known as bullae. They can be as large as half the size of the lung and decrease the surface area of the lung. Patients with a massive bullous emphysema are more at chance of suffering from a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).Railroad companies have the capacity to prevent tens of thousands of workers on railways from developing lung diseases that can be debilitating. When they don't, FELA allows them to be held responsible. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement who are exposed to harmful substances such as asbestos, diesel exhaust and other toxic substances while on the job can have a strong case to filing personal injury or wrongful-death claims.TreatmentThe walls between many of the air sacs inside your lungs are damaged, which makes it difficult for the lungs to move oxygen and out. This can cause enlargement of lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe. You might also be more likely to cough. This is called stage 3 or severe Emphysema. pancreatic cancer caused by railroad how to get a settlement can't be cured however, you can take steps to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Try to stay away from irritations such as secondhand smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes and dusts at workplace and at home. You can also build up your lungs with the same routine of exercise.If you have been diagnosed with emphysema your doctor may recommend pulmonary function tests. Spirometry is one of the tests that can measure how well your lungs exhale and inhale. It can also be used for testing for inflammation of the lungs, and determine if there is an obstruction of your airway or any other respiratory issues. Your doctor could also suggest an arterial blood gas test (ABG) which measures carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood.The most effective way to avoid emphysema is not smoking or breathing secondhand smoke. This is not always easy for some people. Especially if they are diagnosed with COPD. People who were exposed to diesel exhausts, asbestos and other chemicals while at work should seek compensation from their former railroad employers for long-term ailments under FELA.SettlementRailroad employees are at risk of developing debilitating lung ailments like emphysema and asthma, as well other respiratory ailments because of their exposure to harmful substances like asbestos and diesel exhaust. Railroad employees who can prove that their job contributed to or aggravated their pulmonary disease may be eligible for financial compensation from the railroads who employed them. The FELA statute allows for cases of comparative negligence. This means that even if a railroad employee smoked cigarettes and his or her health issues were partially due to smoking, they are still partially responsible. Our legal team is ready to assist injured railroad employees get the compensation they deserve.