Lower Respiratory Infection ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

Read this short guide to learn about Lower Respiratory Infection ICD codes you can use!

By Ashleigh Knowles on Aug 8, 2025.

What Lower Respiratory Infection ICD-10 codes can I use?

If you’re looking for Lower Respiratory Infection ICD codes, you need to know that there aren’t many that specifically mention lower respiratory infection in their names.

The codes you’re looking for go by other terms because there are different lower respiratory infections. You’ll have to pick one that’s specific to your patient.

Here are examples you can use:

J22 - Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have acute lower respiratory infection. This code has an unspecified label, meaning the specific acute lower respiratory infection type hasn’t been identified. Once the particular type has been determined, you must use a more specific code.

J20.1 - Acute bronchitis due to Hemophilus influenzae

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have acute bronchitis caused by the bacterium known as Hemophilus influenzae.

J20.2 - Acute bronchitis due to streptococcus

This is similar to Item 2, but this time, the acute bronchitis is caused by the bacteria known as streptococcus.

J21.0 - Acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have acute bronchiolitis caused by a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV for short), which travels by air and can be passed around by simply sneezing.

J21.1 - Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus

This is similar to Item 2, but this time, the RSV is caused by a human metapneumovirus, which causes symptoms for colds like runny nose, coughing, and wheezing.

A02.22 - Salmonella pneumonia

This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have pneumonia caused by a salmonella bacterium.

Are these Lower Respiratory Infection ICD-10 codes billable?

Yes. All of the aforementioned Lower Respiration Infection ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.

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Clinical information about Lower Respiratory Infection:

Lower Respiratory Infections are a type of infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These pathogens can cause problems in our lungs and airways. Given this, Lower Respiratory Infections can become fatal if left unchecked, untreated, and/or unmanaged for too long.

Earlier, we mentioned that the Lower Respiratory Infection ICD-10 codes you’re looking for are meant for and named after specific types of infections. The three most common Lower Respiratory Infections are:

Bronchitis, which is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Those with this will likely have runny noses, coughs, and discomfort/pain in the chest area.
Bronchiolitis, which is the narrowing of the bronchioles. This is common in children below the age of two. Children who have this will have runny noses, coughs, and wheezing.
Pneumonia is characterized by fluid and/or pus buildup in the lungs. This type of infection is dangerous and can lead to death. Those with this will cough excessively, have difficulty breathing, have a fever, and pain in the chest area.

Synonyms include:

Acute lower respiratory tract infection
Infection of lower respiratory tract and mediastinum
Lower respiratory tract infection
Infection of lower respiratory tract caused by SARS-CoV-2
Postoperative lower respiratory tract infection
Viral lower respiratory infection
Acute bronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae
Acute bacterial bronchitis
Acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus
Acute viral bronchiolitis
Salmonella pneumonia
Lower respiratory infection ICD 10
Lower respiratory tract infection ICD 10
ICD 10 code for lower respiratory tract infection
ICD 10 lower respiratory infection
ICD 10 lower respiratory tract infection

Commonly asked questions

Yes. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi, which can be passed on from person to person via air or contact with others.

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That depends on the type of infection the person has. At the very least, a person with such an infection must rest and take the prescribed medication for a week or two. It might take three weeks to a month, sometimes longer for severe cases.

There are vaccines available for pneumonia and the flu. It would be best to take them to significantly lower the chances of getting either. Other preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, wearing face masks in public places, and avoiding direct contact with people.

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