ICD-10 Code J68.1 – Pulmonary edema due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J68.1 – Pulmonary edema due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
What it is
J68.1 identifies pulmonary edema caused by inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes, or vapors. Use it when documentation links the lung fluid buildup directly to a toxic inhalational exposure.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical records may describe acute respiratory distress, cough, wheezing, crackles, or hypoxemia after exposure to an inhaled irritant.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents pulmonary edema specifically attributed to chemical, gas, fume, or vapor exposure. It fits occupational, environmental, or accidental inhalation events when the edema is the stated diagnosis.
Code it from the medical record rather than inference. If the note only mentions inhalation injury, chemical pneumonitis, or respiratory symptoms without edema, check documentation before assigning J68.1.
Do not use for
Do not use J68.1 for pulmonary edema from heart failure, fluid overload, or other non-toxic causes. Do not apply it when the exposure caused a different lung condition and edema is not documented.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording tying pulmonary edema to the inhaled agent; if that link is missing, check documentation.