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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J00-J06
  5. Acute laryngitis and tracheitis (J04)

Acute laryngitis and tracheitis (J04)

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.

Instructional Notations

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

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.

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.