Which symptom is commonly associated with pneumoconiosis and silicosis?

The symptom most commonly associated with pneumoconiosis and silicosis is the presence of pleural plaques on X-ray. Pleural plaques are indicative of chronic exposure to asbestos and can also be seen in other types of pneumoconiosis, including silicosis. These plaques are fibrous tissue thickenings in the pleura, which can develop as a response to inhaled particles and represent a significant pathological finding in patients with these conditions.

In contrast, persistent cough, excessive sputum production, and fever and chills are more nonspecific symptoms that may occur in various respiratory conditions but are not definitive for pneumoconiosis or silicosis. While a persistent cough can be part of the clinical presentation, it is not unique to these diseases, and neither is excessive sputum production. Fever and chills, indicative of infection or inflammation, do not directly characterize pneumoconiosis or silicosis but may arise due to secondary complications. Therefore, the presence of pleural plaques specifically helps to confirm the diagnosis and association with pneumoconiosis and silicosis.