Acute bronchiolitis (J21)
Acute bronchiolitis, classified under the ICD-10 code J21, refers to a sudden inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. These codes cover cases caused by specific viruses and those where the cause is not specified, helping healthcare professionals accurately identify and document the condition.
The ICD-10 code for acute bronchiolitis includes subcategories that specify the causing agent. For example, J21.0 is used when the inflammation is due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), commonly known by terms like "acute viral bronchiolitis" or "respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis." Similarly, J21.1 applies to bronchiolitis caused by human metapneumovirus, sometimes referred to as "human metapneumovirus infection." The code J21.8 represents cases caused by other specified organisms, such as adenovirus-related bronchiolitis. In situations where no specific cause is identified, J21.9 captures unspecified acute bronchiolitis, encompassing conditions like "acute bronchiolitis with bronchospasm" or "acute exudative bronchiolitis." These codes assist in precise clinical documentation, treatment decisions, and accurate health record management related to viral and other infectious causes of acute bronchiolitis.
Instructional Notations
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- acute bronchiolitis with bronchospasm
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease J84.115
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Bronchioles
The small airways branching off the TERTIARY BRONCHI. Terminal bronchioles lead into several orders of respiratory bronchioles which in turn lead into alveolar ducts and then into PULMONARY ALVEOLI.
Bronchiolitis
Inflammation of the BRONCHIOLES.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Inflammation of the BRONCHIOLES leading to an obstructive lung disease. Bronchioles are characterized by fibrous granulation tissue with bronchial exudates in the lumens. Clinical features include a nonproductive cough and DYSPNEA.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome
Bronchiolitis obliterans complication from allogenic HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION and LUNG TRANSPLANTATION.
Bronchiolitis, Viral
An acute inflammatory disease of the lower RESPIRATORY TRACT, caused by paramyxoviruses, occurring primarily in infants and young children; the viruses most commonly implicated are PARAINFLUENZA VIRUS TYPE 3; RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS, HUMAN; and METAPNEUMOVIRUS.
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia
An interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, occurring between 21-80 years of age. It is characterized by a dramatic onset of a pneumonia-like illness with cough, fever, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. Pathological features include prominent interstitial inflammation without collagen fibrosis, diffuse fibroblastic foci, and no microscopic honeycomb change. There is excessive proliferation of granulation tissue within small airways and alveolar ducts.
