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ICD Hub / Diseases of the respiratory system (J00–J99) / CA03 - Acute tonsillitis
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for CA03 - Acute tonsillitis
Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Clinical Overview: What is Acute Tonsillitis?

Acute tonsillitis refers to a sudden inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. This condition is characterised by a rapid onset of symptoms, making it a common reason for medical consultation. The ICD-11 code for this condition is CA03.

Recognising the Symptoms of Acute Tonsillitis

Patients experiencing acute tonsillitis often present with a sore throat that can develop quickly. Other common symptoms include fever, difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing (odynophagia), and visible redness and swelling of the tonsils. Sometimes, a white or yellow coating or patches may be observed on the tonsils. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can also occur.

Understanding the Causes of Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is primarily caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza viruses. Bacterial infections, most notably Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), are also a significant cause. Close contact with individuals who have these infections increases the risk of developing acute tonsillitis.

Diagnosing Acute Tonsillitis

Diagnosis of acute tonsillitis typically begins with a physical examination of the throat to observe the tonsils for redness, swelling, and the presence of exudate. Healthcare providers may also inquire about the patient's symptoms, such as fever and sore throat duration. In some cases, a throat swab may be taken to identify the specific causative agent, particularly to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections like streptococcal tonsillitis (ICD-11 code CA03.0).

Managing Acute Tonsillitis: Treatment Options

Management of acute tonsillitis focuses on relieving symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. For viral infections, treatment is supportive, involving rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, such as streptococcal tonsillitis (ICD-11 code CA03.0), a course of antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional is typically recommended to prevent complications.

Accurate Coding for Acute Tonsillitis (ICD-11 CA03)

The official ICD-11 code for Acute tonsillitis is CA03. This code is used for documentation and billing purposes. When the tonsillitis is specifically identified as streptococcal, the more specific code CA03.0 may be used. Accurate coding ensures proper medical record-keeping and facilitates health data analysis. This ICD-11 code for acute tonsillitis is essential for healthcare providers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification for Acute tonsillitis?
Acute tonsillitis is classified under code CA03 within the ICD-11 system.
How does ICD-11 handle different levels of specificity for Acute tonsillitis?
ICD-11 provides specific codes for certain types of acute tonsillitis, such as CA03.0 for Streptococcal tonsillitis. When the specific type is not documented, the category CA03.Z, Acute tonsillitis, unspecified, is utilized.
Can the specific infectious agent causing Acute tonsillitis be documented in ICD-11?
Yes, ICD-11 supports post-coordination, allowing for the use of additional codes to specify the infectious agent responsible for the acute tonsillitis, thereby providing a more detailed classification.
How does ICD-11 differentiate Acute tonsillitis (CA03) from other related conditions?
ICD-11 distinguishes Acute tonsillitis (CA03) from conditions such as Acute pharyngitis (CA02), Streptococcal pharyngitis (1B51), and Peritonsillar abscess (CA0K.1) by assigning them distinct classification codes.
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