H04.309 Unspecified dacryocystitis of unspecified lacrimal passage

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Unspecified dacryocystitis of unspecified lacrimal passage
- ICD-10 Code: H04.309

#### Summary
Dacryocystitis is an infection and inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which is part of the tear drainage system of the eye. "Unspecified dacryocystitis of unspecified lacrimal passage" refers to an inflammation without a clearly defined location or underlying cause.

#### Causes
- Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct
- Bacterial infection (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
- Trauma to the eye area
- Congenital abnormalities (in children)

#### Risk Factors
- Age (more common in middle-aged and older adults)
- Chronic sinusitis
- Female gender
- Nasal or facial bone abnormalities
- History of eye trauma or surgery

#### Symptoms
- Swelling and redness near the inner corner of the eye
- Pain in the affected area
- Excessive tearing
- Mucus or pus discharge from the eye
- Fever (in case of acute infection)

#### Diagnosis
- Clinical evaluation and patient history
- Examination of nasolacrimal duct patency via irrigation or probing
- Imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI) if complications are suspected

#### Treatment Options
- Oral antibiotics to treat bacterial infection
- Warm compresses to alleviate pain and swelling
- Surgical intervention to unblock the duct if necessary (e.g., dacryocystorhinostomy)
- Analgesics for pain relief

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most cases of dacryocystitis resolve with appropriate treatment.
- Regular follow-up is important to ensure the infection is completely cleared and to monitor for recurrence.
- Surgical treatment may be necessary in chronic cases for long-term resolution.

#### Complications
- Orbital cellulitis (infection of the eye socket)
- Lacrimal sac abscess
- Chronic tearing due to persistent blockage
- Spread of infection to surrounding tissues

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Good facial hygiene to prevent infections
- Timely treatment of upper respiratory infections and sinusitis
- Regular eye examinations for early detection of any abnormalities

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Increasing pain, redness, or swelling around the eye
- Fever and general malaise
- Changes in vision or eye movement
- Signs of spread of infection, like swelling around the eyelids or cheeks

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
- National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov)
- EyeSmart – patient resources for eye health (aao.org/eye-health)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the condition is coded as unspecified only if specific details are not documented.
- Distinguish from similar conditions like conjunctivitis or specific forms of dacryocystitis with specified causative organisms.
- Verify documentation for any mention of laterality or specific part of the lacrimal passage involved to avoid unnecessary use of unspecified codes.

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