Health Encyclopedia

Ludwig’s angina

Definition

Ludwig's angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth. It involves swelling that may block the airway.

Alternative Names

Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infection

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or a mouth injury.

This condition is uncommon in children.

Symptoms

Swelling of the tissues occurs rapidly and may block the airway or prevent swallowing of saliva.

Symptoms include:

Breathing difficulty
Confusion or other mental changes
Fever
Neck pain
Neck swelling
Redness of the neck
Weakness, fatigue, excessive tiredness

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Earache
Drooling

Signs and tests

An examination of the neck and head shows redness and swelling of the upper neck, under the chin. The swelling may reach to the floor of the mouth. The tongue may be swollen or out of place.

A CT scan of the neck may be recommended. Culture of fluid from the tissues may show bacteria.

Treatment

If the swelling blocks the airway, emergency medical help is needed to maintain an open airway. This may involve placing a breathing tube through the mouth or nose and into the lungs, or surgery called a tracheostomy that creates an opening through the neck into the windpipe.

Antibiotics, usually penicillin or penicillin-like drug, are given to fight the infection. They are usually given through a vein until symptoms go away. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be continued until tests show that the bacteria has gone away.

Dental treatment may be needed to treat tooth infections that cause Ludwig's angina.

Surgery may be needed to drain fluids that are causing the swelling.

Expectations (prognosis)

Ludwig's angina can be life threatening. However, it can be cured with proper protection of the airways and appropriate antibiotics.

Complications

Airway blockage
Generalized infection (sepsis)
Septic shock

Calling your health care provider

Breathing difficulty is an emergency situation. Immediately go to the emergency room or call your local emergency number (such as 911).

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition, or if symptoms do not improve after treatment.

Prevention

Regular visits to the dentist, and prompt treatment of mouth or tooth infections can prevent the conditions that increase the risk of developing Ludwig's angina.

Review Date:6/22/2007
Reviewed By:Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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