Food in trachea causing asphyxiation, sequela

This code signifies the long-term or residual effects resulting from a past episode of food obstructing the trachea, which led to asphyxiation. These sequelae are the persistent health problems directly attributable to the initial choking incident.

Apply this code when documenting conditions or symptoms that are a direct consequence of a previous aspiration of food into the trachea that caused asphyxiation. This is used for follow-up encounters addressing chronic issues stemming from the original event, not for the acute choking episode itself.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following a code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic respiratory failure, brain damage).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past tracheal food aspiration and asphyxiation.
• The "S" in the seventh character indicates sequela, meaning it's used for complications or conditions arising after the acute phase of the initial injury or illness has passed.