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Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath are hallmark symptoms of a pneumothorax, which occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to a collapse of the lung on the affected side. The sudden onset of chest pain may be sharp and can be associated with the mechanical disruption of the lung tissue or the pleura. Shortness of breath often accompanies this pain because the compromised lung function reduces the body's ability to oxygenate blood effectively. Patients with a pneumothorax might also have decreased breath sounds on the affected side when a healthcare provider performs a physical examination.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed do not specifically indicate a pneumothorax. Severe back pain and fever may suggest an infection or other musculoskeletal issue, while a persistent cough and wheezing are more aligned with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Abdominal pain and nausea can relate to gastrointestinal issues rather than a pulmonary problem like pneumothorax. Thus, the symptoms of sudden chest pain and shortness of breath distinctly signal the need for further evaluation of a potential pneumothorax.