A Canarsie man was treated by Mount Sinai doctors in the nick of time after developing a rare and life-threatening condition.
Mike Louisor, 48, a husband and father of two, developed Ludwig's angina, an infection that forms in the floor of the mouth. It has the ability to push the tongue backwards and potentially suffocate a patient.
Doctors say Louisor had a history of dental issues that he had put off. Then one day, he said his tooth began to hurt.
Dr. Sam Huh, at Mount Sinai Brooklyn, says the infection is very uncommon, having only seen it once before in his 20-year career. The infection is so dangerous, there is only a 20% survival rate if not treated in time.
Fortunately, Mount Sinai staff recognized the symptoms and sprang into action. Dr. Huh was able to use a fiber-optic camera through Louisor's nose instead of having to create a hole into his neck. Thanks to that less invasive technique, Lousior was back on his feet and talking three weeks after the ordeal.
Louisor and Dr. Huh hope this story will serve as a cautionary tale to pay attention to what your body is telling you because it could be something potentially fatal.