Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and pulmonary fibrosis. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Certain types of interstitial lung diseases are progressive, meaning they will get worse as time goes by. The prognosis for the idiopathic lung disease can be poor.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers are at risk of developing lung problems that can be debilitating. Particularly, railroad workers who have worked for a long time in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes which can cause interstitial lung diseases. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe oxygen.Diesel exhaust fumes are the main cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs and can cause COPD, as well as other respiratory failure and lung cancer.Other causes of railroad interstitial lungs illness include exposure to wood dust, stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include an ancestor's history of hepatitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia, as well as complications such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), malignancy and diabetes.A few railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. The result is a high rate of serious lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis in railroad workers who are employed. Families of railroaders that have suffered these conditions could be able to bring a lawsuit under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could cover medical expenses or wages lost as well as pain and suffering and other damages due to the incorrect diagnosis.Signs and symptomsThe most frequent symptoms of interstitial lung disease in railroads are shortness of breath as well as a dry cough that doesn't disappear. Over time, the condition can cause other issues that make it difficult or impossible for people to receive enough oxygen. For instance, it could cause respiratory infections or life-threatening complications such as heart or respiratory failure.The most severe symptoms of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include fatigue, numbness in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring of lung tissue hinders the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis might also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms associated with the immune system.Asbestos inhalation can cause severe lung scarring and leads to a number of other illnesses. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining inside the chest cavity. It can also cause an ailment in the lungs known as asbestosis and other conditions such as silicosis.Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment and maintenance of tracks. Workers may be able to recover damages from FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.DiagnosisIf you suffer from interstitial lung disease(ILD), parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring affects the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can cause a dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. Untreated, the damage could be life-threatening.To diagnose interstitial lung diseases the doctor will perform medical tests to detect inflammation and other issues within the lungs. Kidney cancer lawsuit can include pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lung function in a healthy way, blood tests, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. You'll have to give your medical history, which includes a list of any medications you are taking and whether you or your family members suffer from connective tissue diseases or other health issues. It is important to inform your physician if you were exposed to asbestos, metal dusts, dusts of silica, or any other fumes when working.Exposure to toxic materials and chemicals in the workplace can cause a myriad of health issues that include interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes can increase the chance of developing cancer among workers and workers, including mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad contact our skilled FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss your options for filing an action.TreatmentThere are a few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can affect the capacity of your lungs to take in oxygen and deliver it to your body. It could lead to breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrisis as well as interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.There is no cure for ILD however, doctors can treat the symptoms and help you to live a normal life. They might prescribe physical therapy, oxygen supplemental or medications to reduce the symptoms. They can also use medication to slow the progress of lung scarring. Some of these medicines include corticosteroids, cytotoxic medications and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and pirfenidone. Rituximab is another medication that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.Symptoms of interstitial lung conditions are different for every person and can vary from mild to severe. They usually progress slowly over months, or even years, and then get worse when lung damage becomes more severe. Shortness of breath is often the first indication of ILD. It becomes worse when you exercise or work out.Rail workers exposed to dust and fumes like coal exhaust and diesel may develop respiratory illnesses that are serious. These conditions can lead to serious impairment to the quality of life, which could make it difficult for them to work and perform tasks normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can bring railroads to account for occupational illnesses if they failed to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.