Which of the following is a common symptom of simple pneumothorax?

Chest pain is a common symptom associated with a simple pneumothorax due to the presence of air in the pleural space, which can irritate the pleura and lead to discomfort. Patients often describe this pain as sharp or stabbing and it may worsen with deep breaths or sudden movements. This symptom results from the expanded pleural cavity exerting pressure on adjacent structures, as well as potential lung collapse.

In contrast, dizziness, fever, and excessive coughing are less specific to simple pneumothorax. Dizziness may occur but is not a direct sign; it could result from factors like hypoxia or anxiety. Fever typically indicates an infection or inflammation rather than a simple pneumothorax. Excessive coughing can accompany some lung conditions but is not a hallmark symptom of a pneumothorax. Thus, while these symptoms can be relevant in a broader context, chest pain directly correlates with the pathophysiological changes occurring in a pneumothorax.