Bronchitis & pneumonitis d/t chemicals, gas, fumes & vapors

This code signifies inflammation of the bronchi and/or lung tissue resulting from exposure to toxic chemical substances, gases, fumes, or vapors. It encompasses acute or chronic respiratory reactions directly attributable to inhalation of these irritants.

Assign this code when a patient presents with symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, wheezing, or chest pain, and the medical record clearly documents a causal link to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes, or vapors. This is often seen in occupational exposures, accidental spills, or industrial incidents.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states the causative agent (e.g., ammonia, chlorine gas) and its link to the respiratory condition.
• Do not use for infectious bronchitis or pneumonitis; those have specific codes.
• Consider an external cause code (V00-Y99) to describe the circumstances of the exposure, if known.