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Ludwig’s angina

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Definition:

Ludwig's angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth. It involves swelling that may block the airway.

Alternative Names:

Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infection

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ludwig's angina is a type of cellulitis that involves inflammation of the tissues of the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often occurs after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess ) or a mouth injury.

This condition is uncommon in children.

• Review Date: 6/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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