ICD-10 Code J45.991 – Cough Variant Asthma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J45.991 – Cough variant asthma
What it is
Cough variant asthma is an asthma form where cough is the main or only symptom. Use this code when the record identifies asthma presenting primarily with cough rather than classic wheeze or shortness of breath.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation includes chronic or recurrent cough, often worse at night, with otherwise limited asthma findings. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J45.991 when the provider diagnoses cough variant asthma or clearly documents asthma with cough as the dominant feature. It may apply during evaluation of persistent cough when the final assessment confirms this asthma subtype. Code only when the diagnosis is established in the chart.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cough from infection, GERD, postnasal drip, or other non-asthma causes. If the record does not confirm cough variant asthma, check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording such as “cough variant asthma” before assigning J45.991.