Which of the following symptoms is associated with asbestosis?

Chronic cough and shortness of breath are significant symptoms associated with asbestosis, a chronic lung disease resulting from inhaling asbestos fibers. In patients with asbestosis, the lung tissue becomes scarred, leading to difficulty in breathing and a persistent cough as the body tries to clear the irritants. While fever can be indicative of various other respiratory conditions or infections, it is not commonly a direct symptom of asbestosis itself.

Focusing on the primary symptoms, shortness of breath is particularly critical as it reflects the degree of lung impairment caused by the scarring and inflammation due to asbestos exposure. Therefore, recognizing shortness of breath as a key symptom helps in the accurate diagnosis and management of asbestosis.