Which of the following is a common symptom of bronchiectasis?

Recurrent severe cough is a hallmark symptom of bronchiectasis. This condition is characterized by the abnormal dilation of the bronchi, which leads to impaired clearance of mucus. The accumulation of mucus and the presence of chronic inflammation can trigger a persistent and productive cough, often with sputum production. This symptom is a direct result of the underlying pathology of bronchiectasis, where the airway's ability to clear mucus is compromised, leading to frequent bouts of coughing. While the other options may appear in patients with various respiratory conditions, they are not specifically indicative of bronchiectasis. Chest pain can occur due to various reasons, such as pleuritic pain from coughing or secondary infections, but it is not a defining symptom. Sudden weight loss and night sweats are typically associated with systemic processes, infections, or malignancies rather than bronchiectasis specifically. Thus, recurrent severe cough stands out as the clear, common symptom associated with this condition.