Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits. Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in!Scleroderma Caused by Railroad Accident<br /><br />Scleroderma is a condition that can cause someone to develop a thickening of their skin. It can also cause issues with the blood vessels, kidneys and lungs.<br /><br />Researchers believe that scleroderma develops as the immune system becomes compromised. It's believed that this happens because of genetic factors and environmental triggers.<br /><br />Camp Lejeune Water Contamination<br /><br />The water at Camp Lejeune contained dangerous chemicals which caused serious health issues for a large number of service members and their families. According to a government document, those stationed at the North Carolina Marine base are more likely to be affected by Lou Gehrig's disease and other cancers.<br /><br />The contamination occurred mainly in two water treatment facilities: Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point. The water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals such as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and other. These volatile organic compounds were thousands of times higher than the federally-regulated limit.<br /><br />These chemicals can cause serious illnesses and diseases, such as scleroderma, which causes the skin to become tighter and harder. The disease can also trigger many other symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and breathlessness.<br /><br />Scleroderma isn't among the many illnesses that have been attributed to the contamination of the Camp Lejeune well water, however, it can be seen in a few cases. For example in the case of Rita Roseberry, whose scleroderma was linked to her time at Lejeune, she developed other serious health issues, including liver disease and kidney failure. She eventually died in 2015 due to complications caused by these illnesses.<br /><br />If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with scleroderma, call us to discuss your legal options. We can help you obtain compensation for your losses. You must have resided on the base or employed there for at least 30 days during the period when the water was contaminated to qualify for an action.<br /><br />Chemical Exposure<br /><br />Scientists aren't quite sure what causes scleroderma, but they do know that it is caused by an over production of collagen, which is a protein fibrous. The condition can affect the skin, blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. It could also cause complications with the heart and other organs. Doctors also know that the disease is more common among females. Genetics also may be a factor.<br /><br />Scleroderma usually develops slowly. It usually starts in the skin, and most often in the fingers and hand. The skin becomes thicker, puffy and sometimes shiny as it tightens. The condition will not typically develop into a systemic form of Scleroderma or other symptoms that are serious until it affects internal organs or the lungs.<br /><br />If the condition progresses to the lungs it can cause hypertension in the lungs. This can result in congestive heart failure, in addition to other lung conditions such as Esophageal ulcers or fibrosis. If scleroderma causes heart problems doctors will monitor its electrical activity. [https://www.dawnosborne.uk/why-bladder-cancer-caused-by-railroad-how-to-get-a-settlement-is-your-next-big-obsession/ all caused by railroad how to get a settlement] may also employ an echocardiogram in order to check for scar tissue.<br /><br />Although there is no cure for the condition, there are medications that are available to manage symptoms and prevent serious complications. Drugs that dilate blood vessels help treat Raynaud's condition and other medications are available to treat kidney and liver problems. If the condition has affected the gastrointestinal system, doctors can use an X-ray and conduct the test known as a manometry test to determine the strength of the muscles in the esophagus.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br />Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes scar tissue to form within blood vessels, internal organs and other body parts. It can cause the skin to become hard and tight. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others have more severe problems. This condition is often caused by other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis as well as systemic lupus.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The symptoms differ based on the body part that is affected. For instance, Raynaud's syndrome where the fingers and toes change from blue to white because of narrowing blood flow is often the first signs of the condition. The condition can lead to inflammation, pain and ulcers on the fingertips.<br /><br />Scleroderma can also cause changes in the lungs, heart, and digestive system. Heart symptoms can lead to restricted patterns of arteries that supply the heart and can result in high blood pressure, arrhythmias and damage to the kidneys or heart valves. Scleroderma lung issues can range from scarring, to lung issues that are serious, such as pulmonary hypotension.<br /><br />Scleroderma is treated with medication that soothes the skin, improve blood flow, ease stress in the digestive system, and treat lung problems. Some patients may benefit from nitrates like nitroglycerin, that help relax muscles that smoothen blood vessels and can cause them to dilate. Physical therapy and a specific diet plan could be used as alternative treatments.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />It is not curable however, doctors can manage the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease with medication. Some of these medicines are designed to reduce inflammation, while others are made to treat specific organs affected by the disease. The symptoms can vary among individuals and can be mild to severe. Some patients may require to take a variety of different medicines until they locate one that addresses their individual symptoms.<br /><br />The skin is affected by the condition, but can also affect other organs of the body, such as muscles, joints, blood vessels, lungs, and kidneys. The process of developing the condition is thought to be caused by hormones and other environmental factors. The symptoms can include stiffness or pain in the joints and a dry mouth that can cause tooth decay, and issues with digestion such as heartburn, difficulties swallowing, constipation, cramping, bloating or diarrhea.<br /><br />The first step to treatment is to have the patient discuss their symptoms with a specialist in connective tissue diseases (rheumatologist). There are various types of medication that can aid in the treatment of scleroderma, such as immunosuppressants such a mycophenolate mofetil or cyclophosphamide, with or without antithymocyte globulin. These medications target the immune system to lower its overactive response and improve the appearance of the skin. They can also lessen the severity of heart damages caused by scleroderma, and help manage lung fibrosis.<br /><br /> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Disgaea Wiki may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Disgaea Wiki:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)