User:Mr. Ibrahem/Ludwig's angina

Ludwig's angina is a type of severe cellulitis involving the floor of the mouth. The condition is of rapid onset and worsens quickly. Symptoms generally include fever, a raised tongue, neck swelling, pain, and trouble swallowing. The floor of the mouth is often hard and there may be a decreased ability to open the mouth. As the condition worsens airway compromise may occur. Other complications may include mediastinitis and jugular vein thrombosis.

The majority of cases (70%) follow a dental infection, particularly from the molars, though it may also occur following an upper respiratory infection. Other risk factors include piercing inside the mouth, poor immune function, diabetes, and alcoholism. It specifically involves the submandibular, submental, and sublingual spaces and generally many types of bacteria are involved. Diagnosis is generally made based on symptoms, though may be supported by CT scan.

Prevention is by appropriate dental care including management of dental infections. Initial treatment is generally with broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids. In more advanced cases endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy may be required. Other measures may include nebulized epinephrine and surgery. The risk of death is about 8%; though is as high as 50% without treatment.

Ludwig's angina is rare. Both sexes are affected equally frequently. It is named after a German physician, Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig, who clearly described the condition in 1836. However; earlier descriptions date back to the time of Hippocrates around 400 BC. With the advent of antibiotics in 1940s, the rates of disease and risk of death was reduced.