Acute laryngitis and tracheitis (J04) ICD-10-CM
The J04 code range covers acute laryngitis and tracheitis with 9 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 6 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
- influenza, if present, such as:
- influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with other respiratory manifestations J09.X2
- influenza due to other identified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations J10.1
- influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations J11.1
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis J05
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.
- laryngismus stridulus J38.5
Codes in the J04 Range 9 codes · 6 billable
- J04 Acute laryngitis and tracheitisNon-billable
- J04.0 Acute laryngitis
- J04.1 Acute tracheitisNon-billable
- J04.10 Acute tracheitis without obstruction
- J04.11 Acute tracheitis with obstruction
- J04.2 Acute laryngotracheitis
- J04.3 Supraglottitis, unspecifiedNon-billable
- J04.30 Supraglottitis, unspecified, without obstruction
- J04.31 Supraglottitis, unspecified, with obstruction
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J04 range.
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the LARYNGEAL MUCOSA, including the VOCAL CORDS. Laryngitis is characterized by irritation, edema, and reduced pliability of the mucosa leading to VOICE DISORDERS such as APHONIA and HOARSENESS.
Supraglottitis
Inflammation of the EPIGLOTTIS and supraglottic structures including the PHARYNX; UVULA; base of tongue; and aryepiglottic folds. It is usually caused by HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE in children but often by different organisms in adults.
Tracheitis
INFLAMMATION of the TRACHEA that is usually associated with RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS.
About the J04 Code Range
The ICD-10 codes under J04 classify acute infections affecting the larynx and trachea, including various types of acute laryngitis, tracheitis, and laryngotracheitis. These codes help specify whether the infection involves obstruction or the exact anatomical location.
These codes are used to document conditions such as acute laryngitis (J04.0), which is also known by several synonyms including adenoviral bronchitis, acute edematous laryngitis, and infective laryngitis. Similarly, acute tracheitis is categorized under J04.1, with further detail on whether airway obstruction is present (J04.10 without obstruction, J04.11 with obstruction). The combined infection of both larynx and trachea is coded as acute laryngotracheitis (J04.2), often linked to viral causes like parainfluenza. Lastly, acute inflammation above the vocal cords, supraglottitis, appears under J04.3, differentiating cases with and without airway obstruction (J04.30 and J04.31). Understanding these distinctions supports accurate coding of upper respiratory infections impacting voice box and airway function.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J04 range?
Of the 9 codes in this range, 6 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J04 range classify?
The range classifies acute laryngitis and tracheitis. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
