Ludwig's angina

Ludwig's Angina

Ludwig's Angina (pronounced: lood-vigs an-ji-nuh) is a type of severe cellulitis that occurs in the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. This condition is often caused by a bacterial infection originating from the teeth or throat.

Etymology

The term "Ludwig's Angina" is named after the German physician, Wilhelm Friedrich von Ludwig, who first described this condition in 1836. The word "angina" comes from the Latin word "angere", which means to strangle, referring to the difficulty in breathing and swallowing experienced by those affected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Ludwig's Angina include severe pain and swelling in the neck and under the tongue, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty speaking (dysphonia), and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Other symptoms may include fever, drooling, and a change in voice.

Causes

Ludwig's Angina is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria involved are Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bacteroides. The infection often starts in a tooth or the throat, and then spreads to the floor of the mouth.

Treatment

Treatment for Ludwig's Angina typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection, and sometimes surgery to relieve the swelling. In severe cases, a procedure called a tracheostomy may be needed to prevent the airway from becoming blocked.

Related Terms

• Cellulitis
• Dysphagia
• Dysphonia
• Dyspnea
• Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus
• Bacteroides
• Tracheostomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ludwig's angina
• Wikipedia's article - Ludwig's angina

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