Name of the Condition

• Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation
• Also referred to as asthma exacerbation or asthma attack.

Summary

• This condition involves a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. These exacerbations can be severe and may require immediate medical attention.

Causes

• Exacerbations can be triggered by allergen exposure, respiratory infections, physical activity, stress, and changes in weather. In some cases, they can also occur without an identifiable trigger.

Risk Factors

• Increased risk is associated with a family history of asthma, frequent exposure to allergens or irritants, smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and a history of respiratory infections.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, increased mucus production, and a sense of tightness in the chest.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is confirmed through a physical examination, assessment of medical history, lung function tests like spirometry, and monitoring of peak flow variability.

Treatment Options

• Medications such as short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) to relieve symptoms, inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and oral corticosteroids for severe exacerbations.
• Oxygen therapy might be needed in acute cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt and adequate treatment, most exacerbations resolve without lasting effects. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor asthma control and adjust treatment plans.

Complications

• If untreated or poorly managed, exacerbations can lead to severe respiratory distress, hospitalization, chronic respiratory failure, or even death.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding known triggers, using air purifiers, adhering to prescribed medication regimens, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage and prevent exacerbations.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek urgent medical attention for severe symptoms such as extreme difficulty breathing, bluish lips or face, confusion, or rapid deterioration of symptoms.

Additional Resources

• American Lung Association (lung.org)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the condition is specified as an acute exacerbation of asthma for accurate coding.
• Avoid common errors by verifying the presence of exacerbation symptoms in documentation to support the code J45.901.