The four tell-tale signs of a lung infection, as Paramore’s Hayley Williams cancels tour dates amid battle against illness

Concertgoers were devastated this week after Paramore canceled the remainder of their North American tour due to illness.

leader Hayley Williams, 34, revealed that she has been battling a persistent lung infection while on tour.

Announcing the decision on social media, the 34-year-old said she risked “long-term damage” if she attempted to perform the group’s remaining shows.

It is not clear what type of virus the singer has contracted: a viral infection such as bronchitis or a bacterial one such as pneumonia.

But MailOnline has rounded up the main telltale signs of a lung infection, from a mucus-ridden cough to aching body aches.

Body aches, fever, and chesty cough are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to symptoms.

Thick mucus that causes coughing

A lung infection can cause organs to become irritated and inflamed.

This can trigger a cough, which can bring up yellowish-gray mucus, also known as phlegm.

The sticky substance is vital for trapping bacteria, viruses, and dirt and preventing them from entering the body.

The yellow tint is a sign that white blood cells, which protect against disease, have rushed to the site of infection before being eliminated from the body.

Professor Openshaw said: “Coughing is a symptom that is usually due to excess inflammation in the lung and this triggers the cough reflex, which is designed to expel foreign material in the lung.”

Crackling or crackling sounds in the lungs

A lung infection can inflame and partially block the airways, causing a crackling, crackling, or wheezing sound when breathing.

Some wheezes can only be heard with a stethoscope, while others are audible on inhalation and exhalation.

The pitch of wheezing can vary depending on the part of the respiratory system that is blocked.

In addition to a lung infection, rattle can be a sign of allergies, asthma, and pneumonia.

Body pain

Body aches, also known as myalgia, is a telltale sign of an infection.

They are caused by the body releasing white blood cells to fight the virus.

This has the side effect of causing inflammation, which can leave muscles sore. The pain tends to feel like a dull ache throughout the body.

Professor Openshaw said: ‘It’s very common with influenza.

“It’s more common to have body aches when it comes to a deeper infection, maybe a cold that has gone down into the lungs.”

Fever

A lung infection can cause your temperature to skyrocket.

Developing a fever is the body’s natural response to an infection.

The increase in core body temperature, which should be around 37°C (98.6°F), makes it difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection to survive.

Those with a fever, a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, may feel hot, cold, or shivering.

Professor Peter Openshaw, a respiratory physician at Imperial College London, said: “Fever is not common in common colds. It usually means that the body is responding to a deeper infection, such as a bacterial infection.

“The fever is non-specific and is often accompanied by chills and chills.”