Ludwig's angina

Alternative names -- Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infection
Definition -- Ludwig's angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth. It involves swelling that may block the airway.

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 following an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or after a mouth injury. Swelling of the tissues occurs rapidly and may block the airway or prevent swallowing of saliva. This condition is uncommon in children.

Symptoms:
neck pain
neck swelling
redness of the neck
fever
weakness, fatigue, excessive tiredness
confusion or other mental changes
difficulty breathing (this symptom indicates an emergency situation!) Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
earache
drooling