Chronic adenoiditis

This code represents persistent inflammation of the adenoids, a lymphoid tissue located in the nasopharynx. Chronic adenoiditis often leads to adenoid hypertrophy, which can obstruct the airway and impair Eustachian tube function, contributing to recurrent ear infections and breathing difficulties.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a long-standing or recurrent inflammatory process of the adenoids. This is typically supported by clinical findings such as chronic nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, recurrent otitis media, or post-nasal drip, confirmed by physical examination or imaging.

• Differentiate from acute adenoiditis (J03.0x) based on the chronicity documented by the provider.
• If adenoid hypertrophy is also present and explicitly documented as a distinct condition, consider coding it separately (J35.2) in addition to the chronic adenoiditis.
• Ensure the medical record specifies "chronic" to support the use of this code, as opposed to an unspecified or acute inflammatory process.