ICD-10 Code J22 – Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J22 – Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection
What it is
J22 identifies an acute infection of the lower respiratory tract when the specific site or organism is not documented. Use it for short-term infections affecting the bronchi, bronchioles, or lungs when details are insufficient.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, notes describe cough, chest congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other signs of an acute lower airway infection without a more specific diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use J22 when the provider documents an acute lower respiratory infection but does not specify bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or another defined condition. It also fits when the record lacks enough detail to assign a more specific code.
If later documentation identifies a specific lower respiratory diagnosis, code that condition instead. Check documentation for any linked organism, chronic lung disease, or alternative explanation that changes coding.
Do not use for
Do not use J22 for chronic respiratory disease, upper respiratory infections, or a clearly documented pneumonia or bronchitis code. If the condition is better defined, choose the more specific ICD-10-CM code.
Coding tip
Before assigning J22, verify that the chart truly lacks specificity and that no more precise lower respiratory diagnosis is documented.