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ICD Hub / Diseases of the respiratory system (J00–J99) / CA00 - Acute nasopharyngitis
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for CA00 - Acute nasopharyngitis
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Also Known As

Acute nasopharyngitis is widely recognised by several other terms, including the common cold, head cold, coryza, rhinopharyngitis, acute coryza, acute rhinitis, infective rhinitis, acute nasal catarrh, acute nasopharyngeal catarrh, and epipharyngitis. It may also be referred to as mucositis NOS, inflammatory disease of mucous membrane, mucosal inflammation, acute catarrhal inflammation, acute catarrh, catarrh, febrile catarrh, infectious catarrh, pneumococcal rhinitis, or septic nasopharyngitis.

Understanding Acute Nasopharyngitis

Acute nasopharyngitis, identified by the ICD-11 code CA00, refers to an inflammation affecting the nasal passages and the pharynx. It is most commonly experienced as the common cold. While typically caused by viral infections, bacterial infections can also be responsible. This condition primarily impacts younger individuals, particularly children and adolescents, and is more prevalent during the autumn and winter months. Generally, acute nasopharyngitis is a benign and self-limiting condition, though it can lead to absences from work or school.

What Causes Acute Nasopharyngitis?

The primary culprits behind acute nasopharyngitis are respiratory viruses, with rhinovirus being a frequent cause. Other common viral agents include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and coronaviruses. Transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing, or via contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Factors increasing risk include spending more time indoors in close proximity to others, especially in educational settings. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity during winter months can also contribute, as these conditions favour the survival of many respiratory viruses and can dry out the nasal mucosa, weakening its protective barrier.

Coding and Documentation for CA00

The official ICD-11 code for Acute nasopharyngitis is CA00. This diagnosis is commonly known as the common cold. Clinical diagnosis is usually established through patient history and physical assessment, and identifying the specific causative virus is generally not required for coding purposes. For billing and official documentation, the precise ICD-11 term 'Acute nasopharyngitis' should be used. This ICD-11 code is reportable and billable when it represents the primary reason for a patient encounter.

Recognising the Symptoms

Symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis usually manifest within one to three days of infection and can persist for one to two weeks, though sometimes longer. Key indicators include nasal congestion and a runny nose, a moist cough, sneezing, and a sore or scratchy throat. Patients may also experience a low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise. In some instances, conjunctivitis may also be present. Compared to influenza, the symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis tend to develop more gradually and are typically less severe.

Managing Acute Nasopharyngitis

Management of acute nasopharyngitis primarily focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Recommended measures include: * Ensuring adequate hydration by consuming warm or cold beverages. * Getting sufficient rest. * Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for discomfort. * Employing throat lozenges or sprays for sore throat relief. * Maintaining good fluid intake. * Avoiding smoking. * Using humidifiers or vaporizers to moisten inhaled air. * Elevating the head of the bed to aid nasal drainage. * Performing saline nasal rinses. To minimise transmission, it is advised to limit contact with infected individuals, wear a face mask if feeling unwell, and practice frequent handwashing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for Acute nasopharyngitis?
CA00 is the ICD-11 classification for Acute nasopharyngitis, categorized under Chapter 12: Diseases of the respiratory system, within the block Upper respiratory tract disorders.
Can Acute nasopharyngitis be coded as a cause of other conditions in ICD-11?
Yes, ICD-11 coding rules specify that Acute nasopharyngitis can be coded when it is reported as the cause of certain conditions, such as specified infectious meningitis.
How can the infectious agent be specified for ICD-11 code CA00 Acute nasopharyngitis?
Post-coordination is permitted in ICD-11 to add detail regarding the infectious agent causing Acute nasopharyngitis, allowing for the selection of specific agents as extension codes.
How are unspecified cases of Acute nasopharyngitis handled in ICD-11 coding?
When the source documentation for Acute nasopharyngitis lacks specific details, ICD-11 coding guidelines direct the use of residual categories, such as 'other' or 'unspecified', to ensure complete coding.
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