Z91.018 Allergy to other foods

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Allergy to other foods (ICD-10 Code: Z91.018)

#### Summary
- An allergy to other foods involves an adverse immune response to a specific food ingredient that is not among the most common allergens, such as peanuts or shellfish. This condition can trigger various reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe and potentially life-threatening ones.

#### Causes
- Food allergies occur when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and mounts an immune response against it. The exact cause of why some individuals develop food allergies to certain foods is not always known, but it may involve genetic and environmental factors.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of allergies or asthma.
- Having other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever.
- Early introduction of allergenic foods in infancy or, conversely, delay in introducing a wide variety of foods.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, swelling, gastrointestinal discomfort, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosing food allergies typically involves a combination of patient history, skin prick tests, blood tests (such as specific IgE testing), and oral food challenges conducted under medical supervision.

#### Treatment Options
- The primary treatment is the avoidance of known trigger foods.
- In case of accidental ingestion, antihistamines can help alleviate mild reactions, while severe reactions may require an epinephrine injection.
- Emerging therapies, such as oral immunotherapy, are being explored but are not yet widely available for all types of food allergies.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The outlook for food allergies varies; some children may outgrow certain allergies, while others persist into adulthood.
- Regular follow-up with an allergist is crucial to manage and re-evaluate the allergy over time, especially concerning cross-reactive foods.

#### Complications
- The most severe complication is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Repeated or continual exposure to allergenic foods can worsen or prolong symptoms.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Reading food labels carefully and inquiring about ingredients when dining out.
- Educating oneself and caregivers about recognizing and responding to allergic reactions.
- Patients at risk of severe reactions should carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is needed for symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, or loss of consciousness.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider for any suspected food allergy symptoms is also recommended to establish a proper management plan.

#### Additional Resources
- Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE): [foodallergy.org](https://www.foodallergy.org/)
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: [aaaai.org](https://www.aaaai.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure that the specific food allergen is documented if known, as this can aid in specificity of coding.
- Avoid coding unspecified food allergies under Z91.018 if a more specific code is available or applicable.

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