ICD-10 Code J69 – Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J69 – Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids
What it is
J69 identifies pneumonitis caused by inhaling solids or liquids into the lungs. It covers aspiration-related lung inflammation rather than ordinary pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Common findings include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, or respiratory distress after a witnessed or suspected aspiration event. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J69 when the record documents aspiration of food, vomit, saliva, or other material with resulting pneumonitis. It is appropriate when the clinician links the lung inflammation to inhaled solids or liquids. Check documentation if the cause is unclear or if another lung infection is diagnosed instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chemical inhalation injury, foreign body in the airway without pneumonitis, or routine infectious pneumonia. If the note does not confirm aspiration-related pneumonitis, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the aspiration cause only when the record clearly supports it, and verify whether the episode is acute, recurrent, or unspecified.