Ludwig Angina

Overview

4.4 out of 5 (8 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post-Assessment Questions

7

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

22 Jun 2025

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Ludwig angina is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening cellulitis that affects the soft tissues of the floor of the mouth, specifically involving the sublingual, submental, and submandibular spaces. Most cases originate from odontogenic infections, particularly of the lower second and third molars. The condition is characterized by bilateral, firm swelling of the neck and floor of the mouth, often accompanied by pain, dysphagia, trismus, and drooling. Without prompt recognition and intervention, Ludwig angina can lead to airway compromise, sepsis, and death. Risk factors include poor dental hygiene, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, oral trauma, and malnutrition. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but imaging may assist in assessing the extent of soft tissue involvement. Immediate management includes airway protection, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and surgical drainage, as necessary, to prevent further complications.

This activity enhances the learner’s ability to recognize the early signs of Ludwig angina and implement evidence-based treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation, as well as the urgency of securing the airway and initiating empiric antimicrobial therapy. The course also emphasizes the role of imaging and surgical consultation in complex or advanced cases. Collaboration with an interprofessional team—including emergency clinicians, otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, intensivists, infectious disease specialists, and nurses—ensures timely diagnosis, coordinated care, and optimized outcomes for patients with this high-risk condition.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and dentists.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify early clinical signs and symptoms of Ludwig angina that indicate potential airway compromise.

  • Implement evidence-based protocols for airway management and empiric antibiotic therapy.

  • Apply evidence-based treatment strategies for Ludwig angina, including airway management, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention.

  • Collaborate with all interprofessional team members, including otolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, and oral-maxillofacial surgeons, to provide efficient, comprehensive, and coordinated care.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

StatPearls, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the Commission of Continuing Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Dentists: StatPearls, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.00 ADA credit(s). Dentists should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

DIMITRIOS T. on 10/23/2021

nancy h. on 12/16/2022

Aaron B. on 3/13/2023

Melissa L. on 5/31/2023

Scott E. on 1/28/2024

Annette T. on 5/14/2024

Aneesh M. on 5/30/2024

Belinda L. on 4/8/2025

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