This article discusses Ludwig’s angina symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The infection then spreads to other areas of the mouth, jaw, neck, and more.
A tooth or gum infection that spreads in the mouth is the most common cause of Ludwig’s angina.
XiXinXing/Getty Images
As it spreads, it affects other tissue in the mouth, throat, neck, and chest.
This may be more likely in people who have compromised immune systems due to an underlying health condition.
Is Ludwig’s Angina an Emergency?
Symptoms of Ludwigs angina require immediate medical attention.
Call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical attention for breathing problems.
Ludwig’s Angina Causes
The underlying cause of Ludwigs angina is a bacterial infection.
The bacteria that cause Ludwig’s angina often originate from atooth infection.
They will take your medical history and ask about your symptoms, as well as any recent dental problems.
In fact, airway obstruction is the number one cause of death from the condition.
The most important immediate treatment for Ludwigs angina is to secure the airway.
Treatment is never administered at home.
Antibiotics are administered intravenously.
Oral (by mouth) antibiotics will be given after the IV is discontinued.
Needle drainage is often performed to lower the risk of the infection spreading.
Discharge Instructions
Dental treatment may be necessary to treat any tooth abscesses or dental infections.
What Is the Survival Rate for Ludwig’s Angina?
Before antibiotics were available, over half of all people with Ludwigs angina died from the condition.
Preventing Ludwig’s Angina
Ludwigs angina is a rare, yet preventable condition in most cases.
In most cases, Ludwig’s angina is successfully treated with antibiotics unless complications arise.
Prevention includes good dental hygiene and seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms.
2021 Mar;41:1-5. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2020.12.030.
pii:S1201-9712(20)30030-8. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.028
Penn Medicine.Gas gangrene.
2022 Jun 1;9(6):003321. doi:10.12890/2022_003321.
Parker E, Mortimore G.Ludwig’s angina: a multidisciplinary concern.Br J Nurs.
28(9):547-551. doi:10.12968/bjon.2019.28.9.547
