What does asbestosis primarily produce in the lungs?

Asbestosis primarily produces scar tissue in the lungs due to chronic exposure to asbestos fibers. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause irritation and inflammation in lung tissue. Over time, this persistent damage leads the body to respond by forming fibrous scar tissue as a protective mechanism. This scarring, or fibrosis, thickens the lung tissue and can impair lung function significantly. Patients with asbestosis often experience symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, and decreased lung capacity as a result of this scar formation, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the disease.

In comparison, while fluid buildup, increased mucus production, and weakness of lung tissue can occur in various lung diseases, they are not the hallmark features of asbestosis itself. Scarring is the primary and defining pathological change in the lungs associated with this condition.