Suppurative and necrotic conditions of the lower respiratory tract (J85-J86)

ICD-10 codes J85-J86 cover serious infections involving pus and tissue death in the lower respiratory tract, including lung and mediastinum abscesses, gangrene of the lung, and pyothorax with or without fistula.

This group of codes is used to classify various suppurative and necrotic conditions affecting the lungs and surrounding areas. J85 specifically addresses abscesses in the lung and mediastinum, including gangrenous pneumonia (gangrene of lung, J85.0) and different types of lung abscesses, whether accompanied by pneumonia (J85.1) or not (J85.2). Abscesses located in the mediastinum are coded under J85.3. The J86 codes relate to pyothorax, an accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity. When pyothorax occurs with abnormal passages like fistulas connecting airways or esophagus, it is coded as J86.0. Pyothorax without fistula is coded under J86.9 and includes terms such as empyema and bacterial pleurisy. These codes help medical professionals accurately document complex infections characterized by tissue destruction and pus formation in the lower respiratory area.