5. Breathing Difficulties: The Struggle for Air
One of the most unsettling symptoms of Ludwig’s Angina is the sudden onset of breathing difficulties. A person might find themselves feeling increasingly short of breath, as if an invisible force is constricting their airways, making every inhalation an exhausting effort.
So, why does an infection that begins in the mouth’s floor affect one’s ability to breathe? The swelling and inflammation caused by Ludwig’s Angina can push the tongue upwards and backwards. This positional change of the tongue can, in turn, obstruct the airways, especially when the infection is advanced and swelling is pronounced.
Ongoing breathing difficulties can lead to a condition known as hypoxia, where the body doesn’t receive adequate oxygen. Not only can this lead to a sense of panic in the individual, but prolonged hypoxia can damage vital organs, including the brain and heart. It’s a silent danger that underscores the critical nature of this symptom. (5)
