Cough (R05)
ICD-10 code R05 and its subcategories are used to classify different types of cough, ranging from acute to chronic forms. These codes help specify the duration or nature of the cough symptom in patient records and billing.
The main code R05 covers general cough, while subcodes provide details such as R05.1 for acute cough, R05.2 for subacute cough, and R05.3 for chronic cough, which is also known as unexplained chronic cough or persistent cough. R05.4 represents cough syncope, a type of situational fainting triggered by coughing, also called tussive syncope. Other specified coughs like tracheal esophageal fistula cough fall under R05.8. If the cough type isn’t clearly defined, R05.9 is used for unspecified cough, capturing a wide range of presentations such as dry, productive, nocturnal, or barking cough. These ICD-10 codes for cough allow healthcare providers and coders to accurately document respiratory symptoms linked to various clinical situations and improve clarity in medical records.
Instructional Notations
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.
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.
- cough with hemorrhage R04.2
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.
Antitussive Agents
Agents that suppress cough. They act centrally on the medullary cough center. EXPECTORANTS, also used in the treatment of cough, act locally.
Bordetella pertussis
A species of gram-negative, aerobic bacteria that is the causative agent of WHOOPING COUGH. Its cells are minute coccobacilli that are surrounded by a slime sheath.
Chronic Cough
Cough lasting for greater than 8 weeks in adults potentially impacting HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE. Chronic cough generally is associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation (e.g., asthma (COUGH-VARIANT ASTHMA) and non-asthmatic BRONCHITIS, upper airway disorders, GERD and cough hypersensitivity syndrome).
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation. It is a protective response that serves to clear the trachea, bronchi, and/or lungs of irritants and secretions, or to prevent aspiration of foreign materials into the lungs.
Cough-Variant Asthma
Asthma which is characterized by CHRONIC COUGH that is nonproductive without other asthmatic symptoms, e.g., WHEEZING, and PAROXYSMAL DYSPNEA. Cough-variant asthma is accompanied by AIRWAY HYPERSENSITIVITY and may progress to classical asthma without treatment.
Expectorants
Agents that increase mucous excretion. Mucolytic agents, that is drugs that liquefy mucous secretions, are also included here.
Headache
The symptom of PAIN in the cranial region. It may be an isolated benign occurrence or manifestation of a wide variety of HEADACHE DISORDERS.
Headache Disorders, Primary
Conditions in which the primary symptom is HEADACHE and the headache cannot be attributed to any known causes.
Whooping Cough
A respiratory infection caused by BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS and characterized by paroxysmal coughing ending in a prolonged crowing intake of breath.
