LIDWIG's ANGINA

Ludwig’s angina is a rare skin infection that occurs on the floor of the mouth, underneath the tongue. It is a bacterial infection that often occurs after a tooth abscess which is a collection of pus in the center of a tooth. It can also occur after other mouth infections or injuries. This infection is more common in adults than children

The bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are common causes.The following may also contribute to developing Ludwig’s angina:

• poor dental hygiene
• trauma or lacerations in the mouth
• a recent tooth extraction

THE SYMPTOMS OF LUDWIG's ANGINA ARE 

• pain or tenderness in the floor of your mouth, which is underneath your tongue
• difficulty swallowing
• drooling
• problems with speech
• neck pain
• swelling of the neck
• redness on the neck
• weakness
• fatigue
• an earache
• tongue swelling that causes your tongue to push against your palate
• a fever
• chills
• confusion

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR 

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of Ludwig’s angina. As the infection progresses, you may also experience trouble breathing and chest pain. It may cause serious complications, such as airway blockage or sepsis, which is a severe inflammatory response to bacteria. These complications can be life-threatening.