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Alternative names Return to top
Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infectionDefinition Return to top
Ludwig's angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth. It involves swelling that may block the airway.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Ludwig's angina is a type of cellulitis that involves inflammation of the tissues of the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often occurs following an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or after a mouth injury. Swelling of the tissues occurs rapidly and may block the airway or prevent swallowing of saliva. This condition is uncommon in children.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination of the neck and head shows redness and swelling of the upper neck, under the chin. The swelling may extend to the floor of the mouth. The tongue may be swollen or displaced upward and backward because of the inflammation.Treatment Return to top
If the swelling blocks the airway, this is an emergency situation!
The goal of emergency treatment is to maintain an open airway. This may involve intubation (breathing tube placed through the mouth or nose and into the lungs) or tracheostomy (direct opening to the lungs through surgical placement of a tube at the base of the neck).
The next major goal is to cure the infection. Antibiotics, usually penicillin or penicillin-like drug, are often given intravenously (in a vein) until the symptoms diminish. Then, the antibiotics are continued as oral medications until the person no longer tests positive for the bacteria.
Dental treatment may be needed to treat tooth infections that cause Ludwig's angina.
Surgery may be recommended, including drainage of the swelling through cuts (incisions) or placement of drains (tubes) in the neck.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Ludwig's angina can be life threatening, but can be cured with proper protection of the breathing passages and adequate antibiotic therapy.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate Ludwig's angina may be present, or if Ludwig's angina has been diagnosed and symptoms do not improve after treatment.Prevention Return to top
Regular visits to the dentist, and prompt treatment of oral/dental infections can prevent the conditions that increase the risk of developing Ludwig's angina. Update Date: 8/11/2003 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |