Description
A bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth that may arise from a dental infection or abscess. The floor of the mouth has a "woody" feel with palpation. The infection can progress rapidly and block the airway leading to death. Good dental care is the best way to avoid the advanced dental disease that may lead to this disorder.
Symptoms
Breathing difficulty, confusion or other mental status changes, fever, neck pain, drooling, neck swelling, redness of the neck, weakness, fatigue, excessive tiredness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan or MRI to delineate the extent of infection, and a culture of the abscess to identify the bacteria may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, culture of abscess fluid
Specialists:
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan or MRI to delineate the extent of infection, and a culture of the abscess to identify the bacteria may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, culture of abscess fluid
Specialists:
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Treatment
If airway obstruction is suspected an artificial airway must be obtained either through the mouth or sometimes surgically through the neck. Intravenous antibiotics are given. Dental treatment may be needed to treat tooth infections that cause Ludwig's angina. Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess or other collections of fluid that are cause airway compression.