Pneumonitis due to other solids and liquids

This code signifies inflammation of the lung tissue resulting from the aspiration or inhalation of foreign solid or liquid substances other than gastric contents. It represents a non-infectious inflammatory response to the presence of these foreign materials within the pulmonary system.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates pneumonitis caused by aspiration of substances like oil, talc, food particles (non-gastric), or other non-infectious foreign bodies. This diagnosis is supported by imaging findings consistent with aspiration pneumonitis and a history of exposure to or aspiration of such materials.

• Differentiate from aspiration pneumonia (infectious) and pneumonitis due to gastric contents, which have distinct codes.
• Ensure documentation specifies the "other solid or liquid" to justify this specific code, rather than a more general aspiration code.
• Consider an external cause code (E-code) if the aspiration event is due to an accident or adverse effect of a drug.