Food in larynx causing asphyxiation, initial encounter

This code signifies an acute event where food lodged in the larynx leads to a life-threatening lack of oxygen. The patient experiences immediate respiratory distress and potential loss of consciousness due to the airway obstruction. This diagnosis indicates the initial presentation and treatment of such an incident.

Apply this code when documenting the first instance of a patient presenting with asphyxiation directly caused by food obstructing the larynx. This would include emergency department visits, ambulance reports, or initial inpatient admissions for this specific event. It is used when the patient is actively being treated for the immediate effects of the aspiration.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "food" as the foreign body and "larynx" as the location.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific episode of asphyxiation.
• Do not use for aspiration of liquids or other foreign bodies; specific codes exist for those scenarios.