Pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit

This code signifies inflammation of the lung tissue resulting from the aspiration of food particles or gastric contents into the respiratory tract. This can lead to acute respiratory distress and potential secondary infections.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates aspiration of food or emesis as the direct cause of pneumonitis. This typically occurs in patients with impaired swallowing, altered mental status, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Differentiate from bacterial pneumonia; the documentation must specify aspiration of food/vomit as the etiology.
• Do not use for chemical pneumonitis from anesthesia or obstetric aspiration pneumonitis, as these are Excludes1 conditions.
• Consider additional codes for underlying conditions contributing to the aspiration, such as dysphagia or altered consciousness.