Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the nasopharynx, commonly known as the common cold. It is a self-limiting viral infection primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract, characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sore throat, and sneezing.

Apply this code for uncomplicated cases of the common cold where the primary diagnosis is an acute nasopharyngitis. Documentation should clearly indicate symptoms consistent with a viral upper respiratory infection without evidence of bacterial superinfection or involvement of other respiratory structures.

• Do not use for chronic or recurrent nasopharyngitis; these require different codes.
• Distinguish from acute pharyngitis (462) or acute sinusitis (461.x) if the infection is primarily localized to those areas.
• Avoid using if a more specific viral etiology (e.g., influenza) is documented and has a dedicated code.