Name of the Condition

• Nicotine Dependence, Other Tobacco Product, Uncomplicated
• ICD-10 Code: F17.290

Summary

• Nicotine dependence related to the use of tobacco products other than cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. It denotes a situation where an individual habitually uses such products, leading to a dependence on nicotine without any associated complications.

Causes

• Regular use of tobacco products containing nicotine other than cigarettes, such as cigars, pipe tobacco, hookahs, or electronic cigarettes (vaping devices).
• Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that leads to changes in brain chemistry, promoting dependence.

Risk Factors

• Individuals who regularly use alternative tobacco products.
• Those with a history of substance abuse or addiction.
• Environmental and social influences, such as peer pressure or stress.
• Genetic predispositions to addiction or habituation.

Symptoms

• Strong cravings for alternative tobacco products.
• Inability to stop using despite awareness of health risks.
• Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or restlessness when attempting to quit.
• Increased tolerance requiring more product use to achieve the same effects.

Diagnosis

• Clinical evaluation of tobacco use history.
• Patient interviews focused on usage patterns, frequency, and psychological symptoms.
• Application of standardized questionnaires like the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.

Treatment Options

• Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and support groups.
• Pharmacological aids like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches, gum, or lozenges to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Medications such as bupropion or varenicline, which help reduce cravings and withdrawal effects.
• Tailored interventions focusing on the specific tobacco product used.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With treatment, many individuals can reduce or stop their nicotine use and lead healthier lives.
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Complications

• Continued nicotine dependence can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease and cancers, even when alternative tobacco products are used.
• Risk of psychological dependency and associated mental health issues.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding situations that trigger cravings for tobacco product use.
• Engaging in regular physical activity and stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation.
• Education on the risks associated with all forms of tobacco use.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent difficulty in quitting use of alternative tobacco products despite multiple attempts.
• Experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms linked to nicotine use or withdrawal.
• Severe cravings impacting daily life and well-being.

Additional Resources

• American Lung Association (lung.org) provides resources for quitting tobacco use.
• Smokefree.gov offers tools and support specifically for quitting smokeless or alternative tobacco products.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a helpline and treatment resources.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct distinction between forms of nicotine dependence (cigarettes, smokeless, other).
• Verify the absence of complications to accurately assign the code F17.290.
• Be careful to use F17.290 only for uncomplicated cases involving other tobacco product dependence, not for cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.