Health Crisis: Woman Almost Dies from Trapped Wisdom Tooth Leading to Sepsis
By News.com.au
Published Sep. 11, 2023, 1:40 p.m. ET
Caitlin Alsop, a 27-year-old Australian woman, had a terrifying ordeal after what she thought was just a flu turned out to be a life-threatening infection. Alsop had been feeling slightly unwell in the days leading up to the incident, but her doctor assured her it was nothing more than the flu.
However, during a quiet dinner with friends, Alsop suddenly felt like she had bitten her tongue. Within hours, her tongue became swollen, and her airway started to close. It became incredibly difficult for her to breathe and speak. Rushed to the hospital, medics initially suspected an anaphylactic reaction, but Alsop had not consumed anything out of the ordinary.
Doctors administered adrenaline and steroids, but Alsop’s condition continued to worsen rapidly. She experienced shallow breathlessness, malaise, and exhaustion. Her skin started peeling off, turning red and blue. Her tongue even turned black, leading to discussions of amputation. Finally, an anaesthetist suggested it could be Ludwig’s Angina, a rare floor-of-mouth infection caused by a trapped wisdom tooth. In Alsop’s case, this infection led to sepsis, a life-threatening response that can result in organ failure.
Despite experiencing no pain or symptoms related to her teeth, Alsop found herself near death due to a wisdom tooth infection. She was put into a coma and paralyzed to allow doctors to provide life support and preserve her airways, oxygen, and prevent organ shutdown.
Miraculously, Alsop made a full recovery and woke up from the coma feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She launched the #comatoconfidence movement to raise awareness about sepsis and encourage people to recognize the signs and symptoms. Alsop believes that anyone can be affected by infections, emphasizing the importance of earlier recognition and treatment.
Her story serves as a reminder to all about the potential dangers of seemingly harmless conditions and the importance of seeking medical attention even for minor symptoms. It also highlights the power of second chances and the need to appreciate the gift of life.