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Health

What is septic shock? Why hospitalized ‘Emily in Paris’ star Ashley Park faced ‘critical’ health battle

By
Adriana Diaz
Published Jan. 19, 2024, 8:28 p.m. ET

It’s shocking news.

“Emily in Paris” star Ashley Park is recovering after a scary bout of septic shock landed her in the hospital over the holidays.

The 32-year-old actress recently shared on Instagram that “what started as tonsillitis spiraled into critical septic shock, which infected and affected several of my organs.”

The life-threatening medical condition — and the weeks subsequently spent in hospital beds “on the other side of the world” — justifiably appeared to give Park and her loved ones a real scare.

Septic shock is the most severe form of sepsis, when a blood infection lowers one’s blood pressure to dangerous levels, eventually damaging multiple organs and sometimes leading to death.

Sepsis first occurs when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection impacts the body’s immune system, causing a high heart rate, fever, or fast breathing.

Ashley Park hospitalized for sepsis
The 32-year-old actress recently shared on Instagram that “what started as tonsillitis spiraled into critical septic shock, which infected and affected several of my organs.” Instagram/@ashleyparklady

The critical condition affects 750,000 Americans annually, according to The American Thoracic Society.

About three in every 10 hospital patients with severe sepsis and half of those with septic shock die, including stars including “Triangle of Sadness” actress Charlbi Dean, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, and “Superman” star Christopher Reeve.

the effects of sepsis
Septic shock is the most severe form of sepsis when the blood infection lowers one’s blood pressure to dangerous levels eventually damaging multiple organs and sometimes leading to death. rob3000 – stock.adobe.com

The infection can develop anywhere in the body where a pathogen enters, spreading throughout.

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis, while the most frequent viral causes include influenza (flu) and COVID-19 — both of which are currently surging with the tripledemic.

What are the signs of sepsis?

  • Change in mental status.
  • Fast, shallow breathing.
  • Sweating for no clear reason.
  • Feeling lightheaded.
  • Shivering.
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

What are the signs of septic shock?

  • Not being able to stand up.
  • Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake.
  • Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion.

Those with neurological diseases or injuries may have an increased risk of developing the condition due to the impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). 

Most patients are treated with antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids.

However, those with septic shock may need a central line catheter to carry medications into their system to keep their blood pressure in a safe range.

Some patients recover without any lasting consequences, while some may experience temporary or permanent injuries — or even death.