3. Difficulty Swallowing: The Silent Struggle
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is more than just an occasional choke on a sip of water or a bite of food. It’s a consistent struggle, a sensation that every gulp is an ordeal. In the context of Ludwig’s Angina, this symptom is particularly concerning, as it indicates that the infection has advanced to a stage where it impedes normal throat function.
The swelling and inflammation associated with Ludwig’s Angina are not limited to visible external regions. Internally, the infection leads to an inflamed floor of the mouth and throat.
As these tissues swell, the pathway for food and liquids becomes constricted. This makes the act of swallowing both painful and difficult, giving rise to a sensation of something perpetually being ‘stuck’.
While difficulty swallowing may seem like a mere inconvenience, it can pose significant risks, especially if left untreated. There’s the obvious risk of malnutrition and dehydration if one can’t consume food or liquids adequately.(3)
