Ascariasis pneumonia

This code represents a pulmonary manifestation of an Ascaris lumbricoides infection. It describes the inflammatory response in the lungs caused by the migration of Ascaris larvae through the pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, often presenting as Loeffler's syndrome.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates pneumonia or pneumonitis directly attributed to ascariasis. This typically occurs during the larval migration phase of the parasitic infection. Supporting documentation would include a confirmed diagnosis of ascariasis (e.g., stool ova and parasites, serology) and clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia.

• Always sequence the ascariasis code (B77.x) as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not code pneumonia separately if it is explicitly stated as being due to ascariasis; this code already encompasses both.
• Ensure documentation specifies "pneumonia" or "pneumonitis" in the context of ascariasis, not just general respiratory symptoms.