ICD-10 Code J98.01 – Acute bronchospasm (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J98.01 – Acute bronchospasm
What it is
J98.01 identifies a sudden narrowing of the airways caused by bronchial muscle spasm. It is a symptom-level code, not a full disease diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features include wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents acute bronchospasm as the reason for evaluation or treatment. It may apply when the clinician describes reversible airway narrowing without naming a more specific underlying condition. If another diagnosis better explains the episode, code that condition first when documented.
Do not use for
Do not use J98.01 for chronic asthma, COPD, or other established respiratory diseases unless the provider specifically documents acute bronchospasm. Check documentation if the record only notes wheeze without clear bronchospasm.
Coding tip
Code the documented underlying cause, if known, and use J98.01 only when acute bronchospasm is explicitly stated.