H04.322 Acute dacryocystitis of left lacrimal passage

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Acute Dacryocystitis of Left Lacrimal Passage** (ICD-10-CM Code H04.322)

#### Summary
- Acute dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, a part of the tear drainage system, usually resulting from infection. It causes pain, redness, and swelling on the side of the nose near the eye.

#### Causes
- This condition is typically caused by an obstruction in the nasolacrimal duct, leading to bacterial infection. Common bacteria include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include chronic nasal infections, sinusitis, previous injuries or surgeries around the eye, and congenital blockage of the tear duct. Newborns and elderly individuals are more prone due to anatomical variations.

#### Symptoms
- Patients commonly experience pain, redness, and swelling near the inner corner of the eye, along with tenderness, and possible pus discharge from the tear duct area.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is primarily through a physical examination, but imaging studies like a CT scan or ultrasound may be used. A culture of the discharge can help identify the causative bacteria.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics to manage infection and warm compresses to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgical intervention like dacryocystorhinostomy may be required to clear blockages.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis is generally good with proper treatment, but follow-up care is important to prevent recurrence. Chronic cases might require monitoring and possibly further intervention.

#### Complications
- If untreated, complications can include the spread of infection to surrounding tissues leading to cellulitis or an abscess formation.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining good facial hygiene and early treatment of nasal and sinus infections can help prevent dacryocystitis. Regular check-ups for individuals with a history of tear duct problems are advised.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is required if there is sudden worsening of swelling, high fever, or reduced vision, indicating potential complications.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology](https://www.aao.org)
- [National Eye Institute](https://www.nei.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure coding specificity by confirming the exact location (left) and acute nature of the condition. Be cautious of using non-specific codes which might reflect different parts of the lacrimal passage.
- Avoid confusing with other lacrimal disorders like chronic dacryocystitis (H04.422).

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