Chronic nasopharyngitis

This code represents a persistent, non-acute inflammation of the nasopharynx, the area behind the nose and above the soft palate. It is characterized by chronic irritation, often leading to symptoms like post-nasal drip, persistent throat clearing, and a feeling of congestion in the back of the throat. Unlike acute nasopharyngitis, this condition is long-standing and not typically associated with a sudden onset of severe symptoms.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of chronic nasopharyngitis. This typically applies to patients experiencing ongoing symptoms for several weeks or months, after acute infectious causes have been ruled out or treated. Supporting documentation should describe the chronic nature of the inflammation and the specific symptoms.

• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "chronic" nasopharyngitis to differentiate from acute forms.
• Do not confuse with acute nasopharyngitis (e.g., common cold) or other chronic pharyngeal conditions without specific nasopharyngeal involvement.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity impacting the patient's overall health.