Acute bronchospasm

This diagnosis code represents a sudden, temporary narrowing of the airways in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. It is a reversible condition caused by the constriction of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "acute bronchospasm" without an underlying diagnosis of asthma, acute bronchiolitis, or acute bronchitis. This is often seen in patients experiencing a sudden onset of respiratory distress due to irritants, allergens, or other triggers, where the primary issue is the bronchospasm itself.

• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes acute bronchospasm from asthma exacerbations; if asthma is present, code to J45.-.
• Review the "Excludes1" notes carefully to avoid inappropriate co-coding with acute bronchiolitis, acute bronchitis, or exercise-induced bronchospasm.
• Look for terms like "reversible airway obstruction" or "bronchospasm" in the absence of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma diagnosis.