What is Ludwig's angina?
A person with Ludwig's angina has a life-threatening bacterial infection of the soft tissue under the tongue and jaw. The resulting swelling can cause narrowing of the upper air passageway. Severe swelling from Ludwig's angina can block the air passageway completely. The most common cause of Ludwig's angina is a dental infection, which spreads to the surrounding soft tissue.

What are the symptoms of Ludwig's angina?
Common symptoms of Ludwig's angina include fever, chills, facial pain, neck pain, and pain under the tongue pain and chin. Additional symptoms of worsening Ludwig's angina include neck swelling, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, and swollen glands in the neck.

How does the doctor treat Ludwig's angina?
Treatment for Ludwig's angina includes cardiac monitoring, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and surgery.