Effects of hunger

This code represents the direct physiological and pathological consequences resulting from prolonged or severe lack of adequate food intake. It encompasses the systemic effects of starvation, malnutrition, and extreme caloric deprivation on the body's organs and systems.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states effects such as severe weight loss, cachexia, electrolyte imbalances, organ dysfunction (e.g., cardiac atrophy, liver damage), or metabolic derangements directly attributed to hunger or starvation. This code is appropriate when the primary issue is the effect of hunger, not just the state of being hungry.

• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the hunger, if known (e.g., famine, neglect, psychiatric condition).
• Do not use for general malnutrition (e.g., protein-calorie malnutrition) unless specifically linked to the effects of hunger.
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between simple hunger and the severe, systemic effects of prolonged food deprivation.