ICD-10 Code J04.10 – Acute tracheitis without obstruction (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J04.10 – Acute tracheitis without obstruction
What it is
J04.10 identifies an acute inflammation of the trachea without airway blockage. Use it when the documentation states acute tracheitis and does not mention obstruction.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include cough, throat or chest discomfort, and irritation behind the breastbone. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute tracheitis and specifically notes no obstruction. It may appear as a primary diagnosis or as a confirmed condition linked to an acute respiratory illness. If the record is unclear about obstruction, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use J04.10 if tracheitis is documented with obstruction; that requires a different code. Also avoid it for chronic tracheitis or nonspecific upper respiratory infection unless the record clearly supports acute tracheitis.
Coding tip
Look for the exact phrase “without obstruction” or equivalent wording before assigning J04.10.