Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold] (J00)
ICD-10 code J00 is used specifically for acute nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold. This code covers sudden inflammation of the nose and throat that often leads to symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and sore throat.
This ICD-10 code applies to various related conditions such as acute irritant rhinitis, non-infective non-allergic rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and other terms like nasopharyngitis and parainfluenza virus pharyngitis. These synonyms reflect the range of upper respiratory infections without bacterial complications that this code encompasses. Medical coders can rely on J00 when documenting cases presenting with typical common cold symptoms or similar upper respiratory irritations. Understanding that the ICD-10 code for common cold is J00 helps ensure accurate diagnosis coding and proper classification in health records.
Diseases of the respiratory system (J00–J99)
Acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06)
- J00 Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]
Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold] (J00)
Instructional Notations
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Acute rhinitis
- Coryza (acute)
- Infective nasopharyngitis NOS
- Infective rhinitis
- Nasal catarrh, acute
- Nasopharyngitis NOS
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 pharyngitis J02
- acute sore throat NOS J02.9
- influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations J09.X2 J10.1 J11.1
- pharyngitis NOS J02.9
- rhinitis NOS J31.0
- sore throat NOS J02.9
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.
- allergic rhinitis J30.1 J30.9
- chronic pharyngitis J31.2
- chronic rhinitis J31.0
- chronic sore throat J31.2
- nasopharyngitis, chronic J31.1
- vasomotor rhinitis J30.0
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.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Fungal infection in the PARANASAL SINUSES characterized by common allergy respiratory symptoms, recurrent NASAL POLYPS and/or ASTHMA with buildup of allergic MUCIN.
Common Cold
A catarrhal disorder of the upper respiratory tract, which may be viral or a mixed infection. It generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing.
Nasopharyngitis
Inflammation of the NASOPHARYNX, usually including its mucosa, related lymphoid structure, and glands.
Nasopharynx
The top portion of the pharynx situated posterior to the nose and superior to the SOFT PALATE. The nasopharynx is the posterior extension of the nasal cavities and has a respiratory function.
Rhinosinusitis
Obstruction of sinus drainage into the NASAL CAVITY and inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the PARANASAL SINUSES.
Rhinovirus
A genus of PICORNAVIRIDAE inhabiting primarily the respiratory tract of mammalian hosts. It includes over 100 human serotypes associated with the COMMON COLD.
