Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers may suffer from a variety of lung ailments such as pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Some forms of interstitial lung disease progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis for idiopathic lung fibrisis is not good.Risk mesothelioma lawsuit of railroad workers suffer from lung conditions that are debilitating. In particular, railroad workers who have spent their entire lives working in industrial environments are often exposed to toxins and fumes that could cause interstitial lung disease. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult for oxygen to move through.Diesel exhaust fumes are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes can be extremely irritating to the lungs, and could cause COPD as well as other lung cancer and respiratory failure.Other causes of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease include smoking a lot and exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include the presence of a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis, as well as co-morbidities like GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes and GERD.Certain railroad companies did not warn their workers about the risks of railroad work. This has led to a high rate of lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids among career railroaders. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these conditions can make a claim against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. The lawsuit could be able to cover medical expenses or wages lost as well as pain and suffering as well as other damages that result from the wrong diagnosis.SymptomsThe most frequent symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease are breathlessness and dry cough that does not go away. As time passes, the illness can lead to other health issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. It could lead to life-threatening complications like breathing problems, pneumonia, or heart failure.The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, numbness in the toes and fingers and pulmonary fibrisis. This enlargement of lung tissue makes it difficult for the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. Patients who develop pulmonary fibrisis might also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms that are related to the immune system.Inhaling asbestos can cause serious scarring in the lungs, and may lead to the development of other diseases. It can cause cancer, like mesothelioma, which is one of the rare types of cancer that affects the chest cavity's lining and other organs. It can also lead to a type of fibrosis referred to as asbestosis in the lungs as well as other conditions like silicosis.Rail yard workers are exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes from the freight train equipment, as well as track maintenance. Workers can claim damages through FELA lawsuits for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.DiagnosisWhen you have interstitial lung disease, the parts of your lungs are damaged and scarred. The scarring can reduce the lungs' capacity to supply oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can lead to a dry cough, fatigue and breathing problems during activities. If untreated the damage could become serious and life threatening.The doctor will conduct medical tests to look for inflammation or other problems in the lung. These tests may include pulmonary functions tests to determine how your lungs function, testing for blood, imaging tests and a lung biopsy. You are required to provide your medical background. This will include a list of all medications you are taking and whether any of your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or other health condition. You must inform your physician if you were exposed to asbestos, metal dusts or dusts, silica dusts, or any other fumes during working. bnsf lawsuit to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace can cause a range of illnesses, including interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes increase the risk of cancer in workers, especially mesothelioma. The cancer is connected to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis from railroads to discuss your options.TreatmentInterstitial lung disease that results in scarring and inflammation of the lungs, has a limited treatments. mesothelioma lawsuit may affect the capacity of your lungs to take in oxygen and deliver it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues such as pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.ILD is not curable, however doctors can help you manage your symptoms and maintain a normal life. They may prescribe medications and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to reduce the symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow down the progression of lung scarring. Some of these medications include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide as well as pirfenidone. Other medications include rituximab, a drug used to treat autoimmune disorders.The signs and symptoms of interstitial lung symptoms vary for each individual and can range from mild to severe. Usually, they manifest slowly over months or years and get worse as the lung damage becomes more severe. Shortness of breath is often the first sign of ILD. It gets worse when you exercise or work out.Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust including diesel and coal exhaust, can suffer from a variety of serious respiratory ailments. These ailments can cause serious impairment in quality of life and make it difficult to perform their duties and function normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can hold railroads responsible for workplace-related illnesses for failing to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.