Ludwig's Angina – An Emergency: A Case Report With Literature Review

Ludwig’s angina is a rapidly spreading and potentially life-threatening infection having an odontogenic infection as the most common source. It involves the floor of the mouth and neck. Here we report a case of a 14-year-old male who suffered from Ludwig’s angina. Presenting symptoms and findings of the examination helped in the clinical diagnosis. Immediate intubation, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and treatment of complications aided the patient’s recovery. Late stages of the disease should be addressed immediately and given special importance towards the maintenance of airway followed by surgical decompression under antibiotic coverage. The appropriate use of parenteral antibiotics, airway protection techniques, and formal surgical drainage of the infection remains the standard protocol of treatment in advanced cases of Ludwig’s angina. Management of its complications should always involve doctors from multiple disciplines.