Ludwig’s angina

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Oropharynx

Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infection

Swelling of the tissues occurs quickly. It may block the airway or prevent you from swallowing saliva.

Symptoms include:

• Breathing difficulty
• Confusion or other mental changes
• Fever
• Neck pain
• Neck swelling
• Redness of the neck
• Weakness, fatigue, excess tiredness

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling
• Earache
• Speech that is unusual and sounds like the person has a "hot potato" in the mouth

An examination of the neck and head shows redness and swelling of the upper neck, under the chin. The swelling may reach to the floor of the mouth. The tongue may be swollen or out of place.

A CT scan of the neck may be recommended. Culture of fluid from the tissues may show bacteria.

Review Date: 02/28/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Unviersity of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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