ICD-10 Code J35.02 – Chronic adenoiditis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J35.02 – Chronic adenoiditis
What it is
J35.02 identifies chronic inflammation of the adenoid tissue in the nasopharynx. Use it when the record documents a persistent adenoid condition rather than an acute infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include chronic nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, snoring, and recurrent upper airway symptoms linked to enlarged or inflamed adenoids.
When to use this code
Use J35.02 when the provider clearly documents chronic adenoiditis or a chronic adenoid inflammation diagnosis. It may also fit follow-up visits for ongoing adenoid disease when the condition remains active and is the reason for care. Check documentation if the note only says adenoid hypertrophy or nasal congestion.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute adenoiditis, which is coded separately. If the documentation only supports enlarged adenoids without inflammation, choose the appropriate hypertrophy code instead.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s exact wording, and confirm whether the adenoid problem is chronic, acute, or simple hypertrophy before assigning J35.02.