ICD-10 Code J69.8 – Pneumonitis due to inhalation of other solids and liquids (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J69.8 – Pneumonitis due to inhalation of other solids and liquids
What it is
J69.8 identifies pneumonitis caused by inhaling nonfood solid or liquid material into the lungs. Use it when documentation shows aspiration or inhalation injury from other substances, not the more specific categories elsewhere.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, or new respiratory distress after a witnessed or suspected aspiration event.
When to use this code
Use J69.8 when the provider documents pneumonitis from inhalation of other solids or liquids and no more specific aspiration code applies. It may fit cases involving foreign material, nonfood liquids, or other inhaled substances affecting the lungs. Confirm the note links the respiratory condition to the inhalation event.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for aspiration of food, vomit, or gastric contents when a more specific code is documented. Check documentation if the note describes only aspiration risk without confirmed pneumonitis.
Coding tip
Code the documented cause and the lung condition together only when the record clearly connects them.