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

Concertgoers were this week left devastated after Paramore cancelled the remainder of its North American tour due to illness. 

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

Announcing the decision on social media, the 34-year-old said she was at risk of ‘long term damage’ if she tried to perform the group’s remaining shows.

It’s unclear what type of bug the singer has been hit with — a viral infection such as bronchitis or a bacterial one such as pneumonia. 

But MailOnline has rounded up the top tell-tale signs of a lung infection, from a mucus-riddled cough to painful body aches.

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

Cough-producing thick mucus

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

This can trigger a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus — also known as phlegm.

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

The yellow tinge is a sign that white blood cells — which protect against illness — have rushed to the site of the infection before being flushed from the body.

Prof Openshaw said: ‘A cough is a symptom which is usually due to excess inflammation in the lung and this triggers their cough reflex which is designed to expel foreign material in the lung.’

Crackling or rattling sounds in the lungs

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

Some wheezes can only be heard with a stethoscope, while others are audible when inhaling and exhaling.

The tone of the wheeze can vary depending which part of the respiratory system is blocked.

As well as a lung infection, rattling can be a sign of allergies, asthma and pneumonia.

Body aches

Body aches — also known as myalgia — are a tell-tale sign of an infection.

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

This has the knock-on effect of causing inflammation, which can leave muscles aching. The pain tends to feel like a dull discomfort everywhere in the body.

Prof Openshaw said: ‘It is very common with influenza. 

‘It is more common to have body aches when it is a more deep-seated infection, perhaps a cold that has gone down into your lungs.’

Fever

A lung infection can cause your temperature to skyrocket.

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

Increasing the body’s core temperature — which should be around 37C (98.6F) — makes it harder for the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection to survive.

Those suffering a fever — a temperature of 37.8C (100F) or higher — may feel warm, cold or shivery.

Professor Peter Openshaw, a respiratory physician at Imperial College London, said: ‘A fever is not common in ordinary colds. It usually means that the body is responding to a more deep-seated infection such as a bacterial infection.

‘A fever is not specific and is usually accompanied by shivering and chills.’