Chronic sinusitis (J32)
ICD-10 code section J32 is used to classify different types of chronic sinusitis, a prolonged inflammation of the sinuses lasting for weeks or longer. These codes help specify the affected sinus area, which is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
This section includes codes for particular forms of sinusitis: J32.0 for chronic maxillary sinusitis, also known as maxillary sinusitis or oral fistula; J32.1 for chronic frontal sinusitis, sometimes called frontal sinusitis or chronic frontoethmoidal sinusitis; J32.2 for chronic ethmoidal sinusitis, including anterior, posterior, and panethmoidal types; J32.3 for chronic sphenoidal sinusitis; and J32.4 for chronic pansinusitis, which affects all sinuses. Additionally, J32.8 covers other chronic sinusitis types, while J32.9 is for unspecified chronic sinusitis. The synonyms listed, such as eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis or fungal sinusitis, help clarify which conditions are included under these codes, making this ICD-10 code section essential for accurately coding persistent sinus infections and related complications.
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.
- sinus abscess
- sinus empyema
- sinus infection
- sinus suppuration
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 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.
- acute sinusitis J01
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.
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Formation or presence of a blood clot (THROMBUS) in the CAVERNOUS SINUS of the brain. Infections of the paranasal sinuses and adjacent structures, CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA, and THROMBOPHILIA are associated conditions. Clinical manifestations include dysfunction of cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI, marked periorbital swelling, chemosis, fever, and visual loss. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p711)
Ethmoid Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the ETHMOID SINUS. It may present itself as an acute (infectious) or chronic (allergic) condition.
Frontal Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the FRONTAL SINUS. In many cases, it is caused by an infection of the bacteria STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE or HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE.
Maxillary Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the MAXILLARY SINUS. In many cases, it is caused by an infection of the bacteria HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE; STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE; or STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.
Oral Fistula
An abnormal passage within the mouth communicating between two or more anatomical structures.
Oroantral Fistula
A fistula between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity.
Rhinosinusitis
Obstruction of sinus drainage into the NASAL CAVITY and inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the PARANASAL SINUSES.
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in one or more of the PARANASAL SINUSES.
Sphenoid Sinusitis
Inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA in the SPHENOID SINUS. Isolated sphenoid sinusitis is uncommon. It usually occurs in conjunction with other paranasal sinusitis.
