ICD-10 Code J05.11 – Acute epiglottitis with obstruction (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J05.11 – Acute epiglottitis with obstruction
What it is
J05.11 identifies acute inflammation of the epiglottis with airway obstruction. Use it when documentation states epiglottitis and notes that swelling is blocking or narrowing the airway.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden sore throat, difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, drooling, and respiratory distress. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute epiglottitis with obstruction, including cases described as airway compromise or obstructive swelling of the epiglottis. It is appropriate for confirmed diagnoses in inpatient, emergency, or specialty notes. Check documentation if the record only states epiglottitis without obstruction.
Do not use for
Do not use J05.11 for simple epiglottitis without airway obstruction or for chronic laryngeal conditions. If the note does not clearly support obstruction, choose the more specific documented diagnosis or check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the obstruction only when it is explicitly documented, because epiglottitis alone is not enough for J05.11.