B82.9 Intestinal parasitism, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Intestinal parasitism, unspecified**
- ICD-10 Code: **B82.9**

#### Summary
Intestinal parasitism occurs when parasitic organisms take up residence in the intestines, leading to a range of health issues. The classification "unspecified" indicates that the specific type of parasite has not been identified.

#### Causes
Intestinal parasitism is typically caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with parasitic organisms. These can include protozoa, such as Giardia or Entamoeba, and helminths, like roundworms or tapeworms.

#### Risk Factors
- Living in or traveling to areas with poor sanitation
- Exposure to contaminated water or food
- Immunocompromised health status
- Poor hygiene practices

#### Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue

#### Diagnosis
- **Stool sample examination:** Microscopic analysis to detect the presence of parasites.
- **Blood tests:** To identify any consequential anemia or other blood cell imbalances.
- **Imaging:** Occasionally, imaging tests might be necessary to assess damage or inflammation in the gut.

#### Treatment Options
- **Medications:** Antiparasitic drugs such as metronidazole or albendazole can be prescribed, targeting the specific type of parasitic infection suspected.
- **Supportive care:** Maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance is critical, especially in managing symptoms like diarrhea.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is usually good, with many patients recovering completely. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to ensure eradication of the parasites and to monitor for any recurrences.

#### Complications
- Malnutrition due to nutrient absorption issues
- Chronic gastrointestinal disturbances
- Secondary infections due to compromised intestinal wall integrity

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Practicing good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing
- Ensuring food is cooked thoroughly
- Drinking clean, filtered water
- Avoiding raw vegetables and fruits in areas with known parasitic prevalence

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.

#### Additional Resources
- [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Parasitic Diseases](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/)
- [World Health Organization (WHO): Intestinal Parasites](https://www.who.int/health-topics/intestinal-worms)
- [Mayo Clinic: Parasitic infections](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parasitic-infections/symptoms-causes)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure that the specific type of parasitism is indeed unspecified to avoid more specific coding errors.
- Double-check documentation for any details that might allow a more precise code.
- Familiarize with related codes for more specified parasitic infections to ensure appropriate coding when additional information is available.

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