What clinical condition typically develops in the lungs during the later stages of severe paraquat poisoning?
Answer
Pulmonary fibrosis
Following the initial acute damage caused by paraquat to alveolar cells, the lung tissue undergoes a pathological process involving the proliferation of fibroblasts. This activity results in the formation of scar tissue, a condition known as pulmonary fibrosis. This scarring stiffens the lungs, which severely restricts their ability to facilitate gas exchange. This respiratory failure is the most frequent cause of death among those who survive the initial phase of ingestion.

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