ICD-11 Codes
for CA02 - Acute pharyngitis

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Acute Pharyngitis (ICD-11 Code CA02)

Acute pharyngitis, identified by the ICD-11 code CA02, refers to an acute inflammation or irritation affecting the pharynx and/or tonsils. It is a common condition often associated with the symptoms of the common cold. While typically infectious in nature, the primary cause is usually viral, though bacterial infections can also be responsible.

Common Symptoms and Presentation of Acute Pharyngitis

Patients experiencing acute pharyngitis most commonly present with a sore throat. Other characteristic symptoms can include:

• Throat pain and discomfort
• Pain during swallowing
• Headache
• General fatigue
• Pain radiating to the ear
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck (cervical lymphadenitis)

Physical examination may reveal hyperaemic (reddened) palatine tonsils and swelling of the lymphoid follicles on the posterior wall of the pharynx. The absence of cough, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge can suggest a bacterial origin, whereas symptoms like rhinorrhea, hoarseness, and cough are more indicative of a viral infection.

Causes and Risk Factors for Acute Pharyngitis

The etiology of acute pharyngitis is predominantly infectious. Viral infections are the most frequent cause, but bacterial pathogens, such as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), are also significant contributors. Factors that may increase the risk of developing acute pharyngitis include:

• Nasal colonisation with Group A Streptococcus (GAS)
• Close contact with individuals infected with GAS
• Seasonal factors: bacterial pharyngitis is more common in winter and early spring, while enteroviral infections peak in summer and autumn.

Diagnosis of Acute Pharyngitis

The diagnostic process for acute pharyngitis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. If a bacterial cause, particularly GAS, is suspected, diagnostic tests may be employed. These can include rapid antigen detection tests or nucleic acid amplification tests (like polymerase chain reaction) for GAS. In some cases, a throat swab culture may be performed. Patients presenting with clear viral symptoms typically do not require specific testing for GAS.

Treatment and Management Considerations

Acute pharyngitis is generally a self-limiting condition, with symptoms often resolving within two weeks. Management primarily focuses on supportive care to alleviate discomfort. This typically includes the use of analgesics to manage pain and fever. For confirmed bacterial infections, such as those caused by GAS, antibiotic treatment is prescribed to prevent complications like acute rheumatic fever, reduce symptom severity, and limit transmission. Antibiotic prophylaxis is specifically recommended for individuals with a prior history of rheumatic fever.

Synonyms and Alternative Terms for Pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is known by several other terms in clinical and patient contexts. Common synonyms and related terms include:

• Sore throat
• Throat infection
• Tonsillitis (often used when tonsils are primarily affected)
• Cobblestone throat (a descriptive term for the appearance of the pharynx)

Documentation and Coding for Acute Pharyngitis

For accurate medical record-keeping and billing, the ICD-11 code CA02 should be used to denote 'Acute pharyngitis'. Specific sub-codes may be used to further classify the condition, such as CA02.0 for Acute bacterial pharyngitis or CA02.1 for Acute viral pharyngitis. Related conditions like Acute tonsillitis (CA03) and Acute laryngopharyngitis (CA04) are distinct ICD-11 codes. Proper documentation should include the patient's symptoms, diagnostic findings, and the management plan.