A 34-YEAR-OLD woman who had to wait weeks to get a dental appointment died after being rushed to hospital with toothache.
Leigh Rodgers, 34, went into shock while being given a scan at her local hospital and died due to an allergic reaction to a chemical dye used to aid the imaging process.
She had already been in pain for two weeks before pleading with her dental surgery to be seen, an inquest heard.
After being told she would have to wait, her partner called an ambulance to their home in County Durham.
When she arrived at the University Hospital of North Durham, medics recognised it was a dental problem but a doctor could help with the pain.
She as given an iodine-based contrast dye to aid a whole body CT scan.
But a post-mortem later concluded she had died from an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
Her partner Darren told Crook Coroners’ Court: “She had been experiencing toothache for around 10-14 days.
“In the past, the pain had subsided with painkillers, but that wasn’t working this time.
“Leigh went to work on the morning of March 7, and had tried to get a dentist appointment but couldn’t for weeks.
“She couldn’t wait that long. I called the ambulance and the paramedics came, and when we got to the hospital.
“We were told that it was a dental issue but the doctor could assist with the pain.”
Leigh suffered from severe toothache that extended to her neck and chest for around a fortnight, the inquest heard.
It was decided she needed a CT scan of her neck and thorax to rule out the presence of Ludwig’s angina, a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that can be caused by a tooth infection.
Leigh was given iodine-based special dye which makes parts of the body more visible on scan.
While still in the scan machine, she went into anaphylactic shock.
Darren said: “We thought nothing of her being asked to go for the CT scan. She was in the doctor’s hands at that point.
“I saw a rush of people go into the room, and I couldn’t really see what was happening, but soon found out that Leigh had suffered a reaction.”
Despite attempts to resuscitate her for over 90 minutes, she died just after 6.15pm.
Dr Oliver Moore, a consultant in emergency medicine at the University Hospital of North Durham, saying it was the first time in his career he had seen someone experience an allergic reaction to the fluid.
He said: “CT scans do come with a risk of reaction, but this is the single case of this situation in my practice, and I believe that there was no delay in administering treatment”.
In his conclusion, Crispin Oliver, senior assistant coroner for County Durham and Darlington, delivered a narrative verdict, ruling that Leigh died from “severe refractory anaphylaxis to contrast media”.
The coroner added the death was “very unusual” and “extremely unfortunate” as he delivered the verdict.
He said: “This is a death in very unusual circumstances, and it is extremely unfortunate.
“I wish that Leigh’s family did not have to be here today, and I hope that this never happens to anyone again.”
What your mouth says about your health and when to worry
BAD breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they may signal an underlying health problem, too.
Dentist Dr Rahul Nehra of The Smile Gallery reveals the hidden dangers lurking in our mouths…
BLEEDING GUMS
PERSISTENT bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
But it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
LUMPS AND SORES
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don’t heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
WOBBLY TEETH
LOOSE teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it’s essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CROAKY VOICE
A CROAKY or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.
