What is a common symptom of a spontaneous pneumothorax?

A common symptom of a spontaneous pneumothorax is unilateral chest pain. This type of chest pain is often sharp and sudden in onset, typically localized to the side of the pneumothorax. The presence of air in the pleural space can cause the pleural lining to become irritated, leading to pain that is often exacerbated by breathing or movement.

In contrast, high fever is not typically associated with a spontaneous pneumothorax. It may indicate an infection or other inflammatory processes, but it is not a hallmark symptom of this condition. Persistent cough can occur, but it is generally more indicative of other respiratory issues such as bronchitis or infections, rather than a spontaneous pneumothorax specifically. Severe headache is also not associated with this condition, as it pertains more to neurological or vascular issues rather than the mechanical disruption of the lung due to pneumothorax.