What is the primary concern of treatment when Ludwig's angina is present?

The primary concern when dealing with Ludwig's angina is the maintenance of the patient's airway. Ludwig's angina is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by bilateral submandibular swelling, which can lead to airway obstruction due to displacement of the tongue and soft tissues in the oropharynx. The swelling often progresses rapidly, making it critical for healthcare providers to monitor and ensure that the airway remains patent.

In cases of Ludwig's angina, immediate airway management is a priority because as the swelling increases, the risk of suffocation or respiratory distress rises significantly. Ensuring that the patient can breathe is paramount before addressing other aspects of treatment, such as infection control or identifying the source of the dental issue.

While aspects like the identification of the infection source, addressing the offending tooth, or choosing an antibiotic are important parts of the treatment plan, they become secondary if the airway is compromised. Therefore, maintaining the patient's airway is fundamental to the management of this condition.