Allergic rhinitis due to food

This diagnosis code signifies an inflammatory response of the nasal passages (rhinitis) triggered by an allergic reaction to specific food allergens. Symptoms typically include sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and pruritus, occurring after ingestion or contact with the offending food. It represents a Type I hypersensitivity reaction manifesting in the upper respiratory tract.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates allergic rhinitis where the causative allergen is identified as a food substance. This is supported by patient history, allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests, specific IgE blood tests) confirming food sensitivity, and a direct correlation between food exposure and rhinitis symptoms.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the rhinitis to a food allergen, not environmental or other triggers.
• Do not confuse with non-allergic rhinitis or rhinitis due to other specified allergens (e.g., pollen, animal dander).
• Consider additional codes for specific food allergies (e.g., T78.0- for anaphylactic reaction to food, or Z91.01- for allergy to food, specified) if documented.