H04.552 Acquired stenosis of left nasolacrimal duct

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Acquired Stenosis of Left Nasolacrimal Duct (ICD-10 code: H04.552)

#### Summary
- Acquired stenosis of the left nasolacrimal duct is a condition where the tear duct that drains tears into the nose becomes narrowed or blocked, leading to tear build-up and possible eye infections.

#### Causes
- Common causes include chronic nasal or sinus inflammation, previous nasal surgery, nasal trauma, or infections, which can lead to duct obstruction.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include aging, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and a history of ocular or nasal surgeries.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms often include excessive tearing (epiphora), recurrent eye infections, and swelling or tenderness near the inner corner of the eye.

#### Diagnosis
- The condition is diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as a dacryocystography or a CT scan to visualize the ducts.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatments may involve conservative methods like warm compresses and massage. In persistent cases, surgical procedures such as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) might be performed to create a new drainage passage.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the drainage remains open and that any complications are addressed promptly.

#### Complications
- Untreated stenosis can lead to recurrent dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac), orbital cellulitis, or even vision impairment due to frequent eye infections.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining nasal hygiene and managing allergies can help reduce the risk. Avoiding nasal trauma and addressing nasal infections promptly can also prevent the development of stenosis.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Patients should seek medical attention if they experience persistent tearing, recurrent eye infections, or painful swelling around the inner corner of the eye.

#### Additional Resources
- For further information, patients can visit resources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org) or consult with a professional ophthalmologist.

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate coding by confirming the laterality of the condition (left nasolacrimal duct) and its acquired nature. Common errors include confusing congenital cases with acquired ones, so verify patient history for accuracy.

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