Railroad Interstitial Lung DiseaseRailroad workers may suffer from a variety of lung ailments which include pulmonary fibrosis and mesothelioma. Diesel fumes can also increase the risk of COPD.Certain types of interstitial pulmonary disease progress, meaning that they become worse with time. The prognosis of Idiopathic lung fibrosis may be poor.Risk FactorsMany railroad workers may develop lung conditions that are debilitating. In particular, railroad workers who have worked for a long time in a workplace are frequently exposed to toxins and fumes that can cause interstitial pulmonary disease. This is because exposure to toxic chemicals can cause scarring to the lungs which makes it more difficult for oxygen to pass through.lung cancer lawsuit from smoking  are the most common cause of railroad interstitial lung disease. Diesel fumes are very irritant to the lungs, and could cause COPD and other health issues like respiratory failure and lung cancer.Other causes of railroad interstitial lungs disease include exposure to wood dust, stone dust, or metal dust. Other risk factors include the presence of a family history of hepatitis or tuberculosis, as well as complications such as GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) malignancy, diabetes, and GERD.A few railroad companies failed to inform their employees about the risks of railroad work. This has led to the high prevalence of serious lung conditions like pulmonary fibrosis in railroad workers who are employed. The families of railroaders who have been affected by these ailments could be able to file a lawsuit in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) against the railroad for damages. This could cover medical expenses and wages lost, pain and suffering, as well as other damages that result from the wrongful diagnosis.Signs and symptomsShortness of breath and dry coughing are the most frequently reported symptoms. As time passes, the illness can lead to other health issues which make it difficult for people to breathe. For instance, it could cause respiratory infections or life-threatening complications like respiratory or heart failure.The most severe symptoms of interstitial pulmonary disease that affects railroad workers include fatigue, joint pain in the fingers and toes and pulmonary fibrous. This scarring of the lung tissue makes it difficult for the lungs to supply oxygen to the body. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis may also experience difficulty breathing while sleeping and other symptoms that are related to the immune system.Inhaling asbestos may cause severe lung scarring and can lead to a variety of other diseases. It could cause cancer such as mesothelioma. This is a rare cancer that affects organs as well as the lining of the chest cavity. It can also cause a type of fibrosis referred to as asbestosis in the lungs and other conditions such as silicosis.Rail yard workers are exposed to chemicals, dust and fumes from the freight train equipment and track maintenance. Workers may be able to recover damages from FELA lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses.DiagnosisWhen you have interstitial lung diseases, certain parts of your lung are damaged and scarred. The scarring limits the lungs' capacity to get oxygen into the bloodstream and to transport it to other tissues of the body. This can lead to a dry cough, fatigue and breathlessness during activity. If left untreated the damage can turn serious and life threatening.Your doctor will recommend medical tests to determine if there is inflammation or other problems with the lungs. These could include pulmonary function tests to test the efficiency of your lungs, blood tests, imaging test and lung biopsy.  lung cancer lawsuit from smoking  will need to give your medical history, which includes the list of medicines you take and if anyone in your family has connective tissue disease or other health conditions. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have been exposed to silica, asbestos, metal dusts, or any other fumes and dusts during your work.Colon cancer lawsuit  to toxic chemicals and substances in the workplace may cause a number of diseases, including interstitial lung disease like pulmonary fibroids. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes as well as other fumes increases the risk of developing cancer in employees and their families, particularly mesothelioma. This cancer is related to asbestos fibers. Contact our experienced FELA lawyers at Doran & Murphy if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis of the railroad to discuss your options.TreatmentInterstitial lung disease which causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs, has a limited treatments. The scarring could affect the ability of your lungs to absorb oxygen and deliver it to your body. It can lead to breathing issues like pulmonary fibrosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.ILD is not curable, however doctors can assist you in managing the symptoms and live a normal life. They may prescribe medication and supplemental oxygen as well as physical therapy to ease your symptoms. They may also prescribe medications to slow the progression of the lung scarring. Some of these medications include corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-fibrotic drugs like azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. Also, the pirfenidone. Other medications can include rituximab. It is used to treat autoimmune conditions.The symptoms of interstitial pulmonary conditions are different for every individual and can range from mild to severe. They typically take time to develop over months or even years, and then get worse as the damage to the lung gets worse. Often, the first indication of ILD is breathlessness that increases during exercise or strenuous activity.Rail workers who are exposed to fumes and dust like coal exhaust and diesel may suffer from respiratory issues that are severe. These illnesses can cause significant impairment in the quality of life and make it difficult for them to perform their duties and function 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.