LUDWIG ANGINA (SUBMANDIBULAR SPACE INFECTION)

A submandibular space infection is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth.

Ludwig’s angina is a rare but serious bacterial skin infection that affects your mouth, neck, and jaw.

Considered a type of cellulitis, Ludwig’s angina spreads rapidly to infect the soft tissues underneath your tongue.

This serious condition is more common in adults than children. The infection causes the tongue to rise as the infection spreads and may result in breathing difficulties or blockage if left untreated.

CAUSES OF LUDWIG ANGINA:  Streptococcal and staphylococcal bacterial infection is the most common cause.

RISK FACTORS:

• Jawbone fracture
• Tongue piercing
• Jawbone infection
• Mouth injury
• Tonsil abscess
• Salivary gland infection
• Thyroglossal cyst

CLINICAL FEATURES:

Fever, Mouth pain, Neck swelling, and Swollen tongue, Chills, Neck pain and stiffness, Sore throat, Pain when swallowing, Difficulties swallowing, Drooling, Reduced opening of the jaw, Slurred speech, Ear pain

DIAGNOSIS:

• A doctor's evaluation
• Sometimes computed tomography (CT SCAN)
• Doctors usually can diagnose submandibular space infection by examining the mouth.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:

BELLADONNA : This remedy is often indicated in early stages of inflammation, before much pus has formed. The area is red, hot, throbbing, and tender, often with intense or stabbing pains. Jarring or touch may increase discomfort. The person may also feel excitable or feverish.

HEPAR SULPHURIS CALCAREUM : This remedy is taken to speed up the collection of pus, once the swelling is open to speed up drainage and healing.

ARSENICUM ALBUM : deeply infected boils with intensely burning pain and offensive discharge. Warmth and hot applications usually are soothing. The person may feel exhausted and ill, yet anxiety and discomfort also make them restless.

CALCAREA SULPHURICA

CALENDULA :  Taken internally, Calendula can help the body overcome infection.

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA : This well-known herb is often used to help the immune system overcome infection. In homeopathic form, it sometimes helps a person with recurring boils.

MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS :  when the area is very sensitive with advanced development of pus. The person may have moist or greasy-looking skin, with swollen lymph nodes and offensive breath, and be very sensitive to changes in temperature. Warmth may aggravate the pain.

SILICEA : This remedy relieves conditions that tend to suppurate easily and recur.

TARENTULA CUBENSIS : This remedy may be indicated when the area is sore and swollen with stinging, burning pain, and purplish or bluish discoloration of surrounding tissues. A person who needs this remedy may also have restless feet and difficulty sleeping.