- Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams revealed she has a lung infection
- MailOnline has collected the most important tell-tale signs, from coughing to body aches
Concertgoers were devastated this week after Paramore canceled the remainder of its North American tour due to illness.
Front woman Hayley Williams, 34, revealed she has been battling a persistent lung infection while on tour.
The 34-year-old announced the decision on social media, saying she risked “long-term damage” if she attempted to perform the group’s remaining shows.
It’s unclear what kind of bug the singer was afflicted with – a viral infection like bronchitis or a bacterial infection like pneumonia.
But MailOnline has rounded up the top telltale signs of a lung infection, from a mucus-riddled cough to aching body aches.
Paramore star Hayley Williams, 34, revealed she battled a persistent lung infection while on tour in the US
Body aches, fever and a cough in the chest are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the symptoms
Cough producing thick mucus
Pneumonia can cause the organs to become irritated and inflamed.
This can cause a cough, which can produce yellow-gray phlegm – 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 the infection before being flushed out of the body.
Prof Openshaw said: ‘Coughing is a symptom usually due to excessive inflammation in the lungs and this triggers their cough reflex which is designed to expel foreign material in the lungs.’
Crackling or rattling sounds in the lungs
A lung infection can inflame and partially block the airways, causing a crackling, rattling, or wheezing sound when breathing.
Some wheezing can only be heard with a stethoscope, while others can be heard with inhalation and exhalation.
The tone of the wheezing can vary depending on which part of the respiratory system is blocked.
In addition to a lung infection, rattling can be a sign of allergies, asthma, and pneumonia.
Pain in the body
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 bug.
This has the domino effect of causing inflammation, which can cause muscles to ache. The pain feels like a dull discomfort all over the body.
Prof Openshaw said: ‘It’s very common with flu.
“It’s more common to have body aches when it’s a more deep-seated infection, maybe a cold that has gotten into your lungs.”
Fever
Pneumonia can cause your temperature to skyrocket.
Developing a fever is the body’s natural response to an infection.
Raising the body’s core temperature — which should be around 37 °C (98.6 °F) — makes it more difficult for the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection to survive.
Those who have a fever — a temperature of 37.8 C (100 F) or higher — may feel hot, cold, or shivering.
Professor Peter Openshaw, a respiratory specialist at Imperial College London, said: ‘Fever is uncommon with the common cold. It usually means that the body is responding to a more deep-seated infection, such as a bacterial infection.
“Fever is not specific and is usually accompanied by chills and chills.”