Adeline A., 11

Adeline is the first-born in her family and lives with her mother and younger sibling in a single mud-walled house. Her mother is a peasant farmer who engages in small-scale farming and occasional manual labor to support the family. Despite their challenges, Adeline is ambitious and dreams of becoming a director in the future. They learned about Helpster through Ashburn Hospital, a former partner, which referred them for further support. Adeline had been experiencing a persistent toothache for some time and had attempted to loosen the tooth herself without success. Eventually, swelling developed on one side of her gum. She was taken to a nearby health center, where she received treatment, including injections, but her condition worsened, with significant swelling of the lower jaw. Her mother then sought care at Ashburn Hospital but the clinician at the hospital adviced her that Adeline's condition required care at a higher level facility, and it is at that point that she was also informed about Helpster Charity when she said that she has no money to go to Siaya County Referral Hospital. At Siaya, Sebastian was diagnosed with Ludwig’s angina, requiring urgent specialized care.

Adeline was brought to the hospital with swollen jaw area and a tooth ache, she was diagnosed with ludwigs angina which warranted admission for proper management. The swollen area was incised and drainage done. Whilst admitted she was administered IV ceftriaxone, metronidazole,pcm among other drugs. She was eventually discharged on orals and a follow up clinic booked for her for dental review. By the time she was being discharged she could talk and swallow with ease

Adeline has been diagnosed with Ludwig’s angina, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection originating from a dental source. She presented with significant lower jaw swelling and requires urgent management, including intravenous antibiotics, close monitoring, and possible surgical intervention to control the infection and protect her airway. At the time of assessment, she is stable but remains at risk due to the severity of the condition. With timely and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is good, and she is expected to recover well. Delayed treatment could lead to airway obstruction, sepsis, or other serious complications.