J03.90 Acute tonsillitis, unspecified

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Acute tonsillitis, unspecified
- Also referred to as a sudden inflammation of the tonsils

#### Summary
- Acute tonsillitis is an infection that causes swelling and inflammation of the tonsils, which are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat. The condition results in sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and other symptoms, often due to either bacterial or viral infections.

#### Causes
- The most common causes of acute tonsillitis are viral infections like the common cold, but it can also be caused by bacterial infections, most notably Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus).

#### Risk Factors
- Children between the ages of 5 and 15
- Frequent exposure to germs, such as in schools or daycare centers

#### Symptoms
- Sore, red, and swollen throat
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- White or yellow patches on the tonsils

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the throat can reveal swollen, inflamed tonsils.
- A throat swab may be conducted to identify if the infection is bacterial, particularly if streptococcal bacteria is suspected.
- Occasionally, blood tests may be used to confirm or rule out other conditions.

#### Treatment Options
- If bacterial, antibiotics such as penicillin are commonly prescribed.
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain.
- For viral tonsillitis, supportive care including rest, hydration, and warm saline gargles is recommended.
- Surgical removal (tonsillectomy) may be considered in recurring or chronic cases.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most cases resolve within 7 to 10 days with proper treatment.
- Follow-up is important to ensure resolution, especially if treated with antibiotics to confirm the elimination of bacterial infection.

#### Complications
- If untreated, it can lead to complications like peritonsillar abscess, obstructive sleep apnea, or the spread of infection.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining good hygiene such as frequent handwashing can reduce risk.
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent transmission.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- High fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: [https://www.entnet.org/](https://www.entnet.org/)
- TeensHealth: Tonsillitis Information: [https://www.kidshealth.org/](https://www.kidshealth.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate identification of whether the tonsillitis is viral or bacterial when coding.
- Avoid coding under non-specific categories without thorough documentation.

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