Although relatively uncommon, Ludwig's angina is a potentially life-threatening infection of the floor of the mouth and neck. There is a danger of airway obstruction by swelling in the area and displacement of the tongue, and patients are at risk of deterioration. There are many factors thought to place patients at an increased risk of developing the condition. These include recent dental treatment, dental caries or generally poor dentition, chronic disease such as diabetes, alcoholism and malnutrition, and patients with compromised immune systems (eg AIDS, organ transplantation). This article examines the aetiology of Ludwig's angina and considers the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of a patient who presented to an out-of-hours streaming area of a local emergency department, with an emphasis on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. It also considers the need for ongoing education and awareness of health professionals to ensure the successful diagnosis, management and treatment of this condition, particularly in the context of patients with poor access to dental care presenting first to the emergency department.
Keywords: Airway; Dental problems; History taking; Infection; Inflammation; Sepsis.