Ludwig’s Angina – Part 1
This is a fortunately uncommon but potentially fatal bacterial infection of the fascial planes of the oral cavity. Causative bacteria are most commonly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, but Haemophilus and anaerobic bacteria have been reported.
Ludwig’s angina presents with neck swelling and redness of the skin (erythema), swelling under the chin (submandibular area), fever, board-like rigidity in the floor of the mouth, elevation and posterior displacement of the tongue, and difficulty swallowing. It can also cause drooling, earache, confusion and mental status changes, and fatigue.
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