Emily in Paris Star Ashley Park Recovers from Scary Battle with Septic Shock
Ashley Park, known for her role in the popular series Emily in Paris, recently underwent a harrowing experience with septic shock, landing her in the hospital during the holiday season. The 32-year-old actress shared on Instagram that what began as tonsillitis quickly escalated into a critical condition that affected multiple organs.
Septic shock, the most severe form of sepsis, arises when a blood infection drives blood pressure to dangerous levels, resulting in damage to various organs and potentially leading to death. Initially, sepsis develops when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection affects the body’s immune system, resulting in symptoms such as a high heart rate, fever, or rapid breathing.
According to The American Thoracic Society, approximately 750,000 Americans experience septic shock each year. Tragically, three out of ten individuals with severe sepsis and half of those with septic shock do not survive. Prominent personalities like Charlbi Dean from Triangle of Sadness, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, and Superman star Christopher Reeve are some of the well-known figures who have succumbed to the condition.
Sepsis-causing infections can originate from any part of the body where a pathogen infiltrates and subsequently spreads. The most common cause of sepsis is bacterial infections, although viral infections like influenza (flu) and COVID-19, which are currently surging as a triple threat, also contribute significantly. Furthermore, individuals with neurological diseases or injuries face an increased risk due to the impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Treatment for sepsis typically involves administering antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids to patients. However, individuals with septic shock may require a central line catheter to deliver medications directly into their bloodstream, maintaining their blood pressure within a safe range. While some patients make a full recovery without lasting consequences, others may experience temporary or permanent injuries, or even face a fatal outcome.
Ashley Park’s frightening encounter with septic shock underscores the seriousness of the condition and the imperative nature of timely medical intervention. Awareness and understanding of sepsis symptoms are crucial in order to seek prompt medical attention and increase the chances of a favorable outcome. By recognizing the signs and seeking treatment early, lives can be saved.
