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How Railroad Lawsuit Lymphoma Impacted My Life The Better
Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease

Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. Many also have a higher chance of developing COPD due to exposure to diesel fumes.

Some types of interstitial lung disease are progressive, meaning they become worse over time. The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis isn't great.

Risk Factors


Many railroad workers are susceptible to developing lung diseases that are debilitating. In particular, railroad workers who have worked for a long time in a factory environment are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes which can lead to interstitial lung disease. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring of the lungs. 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 can cause COPD as well as other respiratory failure and lung cancer.

Other causes of railroad interstitial pulmonary disease are smoking, chronically, and exposure to metal, wood or stone dust. Other risk factors include having a history of hepatitis in the family, tuberculosis or pneumonia and comorbidities such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), malignancy and diabetes.

Certain railroad companies did not inform their workers about the risks of railroad work. This has led to the prevalence of lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids among railroad workers who are in the profession. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these illnesses can bring a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical expenses, loss of wages and pain and suffering and other damages due to the incorrect diagnosis.

Symptoms

The most commonly reported symptoms of railroad interstitial lung disease are breathlessness and dry cough that doesn't disappear. In time, the condition can lead to other health issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. It can lead to life-threatening complications, like pneumonia or heart or respiratory failure.

The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, clubbing in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrosis. This enlargement of lung tissue prevents the lungs to supply oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience breathing difficulties during sleep and other symptoms related to the immune system.

Inhaling asbestos can cause serious scarring in the lungs, and could lead to other diseases. It can cause cancer, for instance mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It could also cause a type of fibrosis referred to as asbestosis in lungs and other conditions, such as silicosis.

Rail yard workers are exposed to chemicals, dust and fumes from the freight train equipment and maintenance of track. Workers may be able to recover damages from FELA lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses.

Diagnosis

When you have interstitial lung disease, the parts of your lung are damaged and scarred. The scarring limits the ability of your lungs to bring oxygen into bloodstream and to transport it to other tissues of the body. This can lead to a dry cough and fatigue when you exercise. If not treated, the injury could be life-threatening.

Your doctor will recommend medical testing to check for inflammation or other problems with the lungs. They may include pulmonary function tests that determine how well your lungs work and function, blood tests, lung biopsy, and imaging tests. 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. Also, you must tell your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos, silica, metal dusts, or other fumes and dusts at work.

Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals in the workplace could cause a range of illnesses that include interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust and other fumes may increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers in microscopic size. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pulmonary cancer from railroads contact our skilled FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit.

Treatment

There are few treatment options for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can impact the way that your lungs take in oxygen and transfer it to your body. It can cause breathing problems such as pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

There is no cure for ILD, but doctors can manage your symptoms and help you live a normal life. They may prescribe physical therapy, oxygen supplemental or medications to reduce the symptoms. They can also use medications to slow the progression of the lung scarring. Some of these medicines include corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and the pirfenidone. Other medications can include rituximab which is used to treat autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of interstitial lung disease are different for each individual and can range from mild to severe. They usually progress slowly over months, or even years, but they get worse as the damage to the lung gets worse. The most common indication of ILD is shortness of breath that gets worse during exercise or strenuous activity.

Rail workers exposed to fumes and dust such as diesel and coal exhaust can develop serious respiratory ailments. railroad lawsuits can cause severe impairment to the quality of life and make it difficult to function and work normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for workplace-related illnesses when they fail to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.

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