Railroad Interstitial Lung Disease
Railroad workers are at risk of developing lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.
Some types of interstitial lung diseases are progressive, meaning they become worse over time. The prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis isn't good.
Risk Factors
Many railroad workers are at risk for developing lung diseases that are debilitating. In particular, railroad workers who have spent decades working in industrial environments are frequently exposed to toxic substances and fumes, which can lead to interstitial lung disease. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals can cause lung scarring. This makes it difficult for oxygen to flow through.
Diesel exhaust fumes are the main cause of railroad interstitial lungs 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 interstitial lung diseases in railroads include smoking a lot and exposure to wood, metal or stone dust. Other risk factors include a history of hepatitis (including tuberculosis), pneumonia or a family history and comorbidities such as GERD, malignancy, and diabetes.
A few railroad companies have failed to inform their employees of the dangers of railroad work. This has led to an increase in lung diseases such as pulmonary fibroids among career railroaders. Families of railroad workers who suffer from these conditions can file a lawsuit against the railroad under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to recover damages. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and discomfort, and other damages resulting from the wrongful diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms
Shortness of breath and dry coughing are the most common symptoms. In time, the condition could lead to other issues that make it difficult for people to breathe. For instance, it can cause pneumonia or life-threatening conditions like respiratory or heart failure.
The most serious symptoms of interstitial lung disease caused by railroads are fatigue, clubbing of the fingers and toes, and the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring to the lung tissue and stops the lung tissues from supplying oxygen to the body. People suffering from pulmonary fibrosis may have sleep issues as well as other immune-related symptoms.
Inhaling asbestos can cause severe lung scarring that causes a range of other ailments. It can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma, which is an uncommon form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and other organs. It may also lead to a form of fibrosis called asbestosis in the lungs as well as other conditions such as silicosis.
People who work in rail yards are often exposed to chemicals, fumes and dust from the freight train equipment as well as from maintenance work on tracks. Getting a FELA lawsuit can help workers get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses.
class action lawsuit against railroads
When you have interstitial lung disease, the parts of your lung tissue are damaged and scarred. The scarring can reduce the lungs' capacity in delivering oxygen to blood and other tissues. This can cause dry cough and fatigue if you exercise. If left untreated the damage could become grave and life-threatening.
To identify interstitial lung diseases, your doctor will order medical tests to determine inflammation and other conditions in the lungs. These tests may include pulmonary functions tests to determine how your lungs function, tests for blood, imaging and lung biopsy. You will be asked to submit your medical history. This will include a list of all medications you are taking and if any of your family members suffer from connective tissue disease or any other health condition. You must inform your doctor if you were exposed to asbestos, metal dusts or dusts, silica dusts or any other odors while working.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances in the workplace could cause many ailments, including interstitial lung diseases like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure of diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes increase the risk of developing cancer among workers, especially mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced FELA attorneys at Doran & Murphy if you or a family member has been diagnosed with railroad pulmonary fibrosis to discuss your options.
Treatment
There are only a few options for treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD) which can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. The scarring can affect the ability of your lungs to take in oxygen and deliver it to your body. It can lead to breathing problems like 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 medication as well as oxygen supplemental therapy or physical therapy to ease the symptoms. They may also prescribe medication to slow the development of lung scarring. Certain of these medications include corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic medications like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and the pirfenidone. Rituximab is a different medication that can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
The symptoms of interstitial lung disease vary from mild to severe. They usually progress slowly over months, or even years, and then get worse as the damage to the lung gets worse. Breathing problems are often the first sign of ILD. It can get worse when you exercise or exert yourself.
Railroad workers who were exposed to fumes and dust, including coal and diesel exhaust, can suffer from a variety of serious respiratory conditions. These ailments can cause serious impairment to the health and can make it difficult to work and perform tasks normally. The Federal Employers Liability Act can be used to hold railroads accountable for work-related illness when they fail to provide adequate ventilation and safety equipment.