ICD-10: R06.1

Stridor, classified under ICD-10 code R06.1, is characterized by a specific set of clinical presentations, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics. Here’s a detailed overview:

Clinical Presentation

• Definition: Stridor is a strained, high-pitched, harsh respiratory sound primarily associated with airway obstruction. It can occur during inspiration, expiration, or both, and is often more pronounced during sleep [4][9].
• Context of Occurrence: Stridor is typically observed in situations where there is an obstruction in the upper airway, which may be due to various causes such as foreign body aspiration, infections, or structural abnormalities [2][4].

Signs and Symptoms

• Audible Stridor: The most prominent symptom is the audible stridor itself, which can be heard without a stethoscope. It is often described as a "crowing" sound [4][9].
• Respiratory Distress: Patients may exhibit signs of respiratory distress, including increased work of breathing, use of accessory muscles, and nasal flaring [4].
• Cyanosis: In severe cases, patients may show cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) due to inadequate oxygenation [4].
• Posture: Patients may adopt a specific posture, such as leaning forward, to facilitate breathing [4].

Patient Characteristics

• Age: Stridor can occur in individuals of all ages but is particularly common in children due to their smaller airway size and susceptibility to infections and foreign body aspiration [2][4].
• History of Airway Obstruction: A significant characteristic is a history of an object or substance not native to the airway being introduced, which can lead to the development of stridor [2][7].
• Underlying Conditions: Patients may have underlying conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, or laryngeal edema, which can contribute to the development of stridor [4][9].

Conclusion

Stridor is a critical clinical sign that indicates potential airway obstruction and requires prompt evaluation and management. Understanding its clinical presentation, associated symptoms, and patient characteristics is essential for healthcare providers to ensure timely intervention and treatment.

The ICD-10 code R06.1, which designates "Stridor," has several alternative names and related terms. Here are some of the key synonyms and associated terms:

• Stridor: The primary term for the condition, indicating a high-pitched sound resulting from turbulent airflow in the upper airway.
• Laryngismus stridulus: A term that refers to a specific type of stridor associated with spasms of the larynx, often seen in children.
• Congenital laryngeal stridor: Although excluded from the R06.1 classification, this term refers to stridor present at birth due to structural abnormalities in the larynx [2][7].
• Obstructive laryngitis (acute): This condition can also lead to stridor but is classified under a different ICD code (J05.0) [7].
• Postprocedural subglottic stenosis: Another condition that may cause stridor, but is classified separately (J95.5) [7].

These terms are important for understanding the context and classification of stridor within medical documentation and coding practices.

The diagnosis for ICD-10 code R06.1, which specifies stridor, is based on several criteria:

• Definition of Stridor: Stridor is characterized as a strained, high-pitched, harsh respiratory sound that is primarily inspiratory. It may occur during sleep or both during sleep and wakefulness [7].

• Clinical Context: The code R06.1 is used to indicate a medical diagnosis of stridor, which is a symptom that can arise from various underlying conditions affecting the airway. It is important to note that this code should not be used as a principal diagnosis when a related condition is present [1].

• Billable Code: R06.1 is classified as a billable diagnosis code, meaning it can be used for reimbursement purposes in healthcare settings. It is valid for use in HIPAA-covered transactions from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025 [10][15].

• Exclusions and Inclusions: When coding for stridor, healthcare providers must consider any exclusions or related conditions that may affect the diagnosis. For instance, stridor may be associated with other respiratory conditions, and accurate coding is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment [1][15].

These criteria ensure that the diagnosis of stridor is accurately captured in medical records and billing systems, facilitating appropriate patient care and reimbursement.

Stridor, classified under ICD-10 code R06.1, is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow in the upper airway. The standard treatment approaches for stridor typically focus on addressing the underlying cause and may include the following:

• Medications:
• Corticosteroids: These are often used to reduce inflammation in cases of croup or other inflammatory conditions affecting the airway.

• Bronchodilators: These may be administered to help open the airways, especially in cases where bronchospasm is a contributing factor.

• Oxygen Therapy: If the patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress or hypoxia, supplemental oxygen may be provided to ensure adequate oxygenation.

• Nebulized Treatments: Inhaled medications, such as epinephrine, can be used in acute settings to rapidly reduce airway swelling and improve airflow.

• Intubation: In severe cases where the airway is compromised, intubation may be necessary to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation.

• Surgical Interventions: If stridor is caused by anatomical abnormalities (e.g., laryngeal or tracheal stenosis), surgical correction may be required.

• Supportive Care: This includes monitoring the patient closely, providing a calm environment, and ensuring hydration.

• Management of Underlying Conditions: Addressing any underlying infections, allergies, or other medical conditions that may be contributing to stridor is crucial for effective treatment.

These treatment approaches are tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specific cause of stridor, ensuring a comprehensive management plan is in place to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications [11][13].

ICD-10 code R06.1 is designated for the medical diagnosis of stridor, which is characterized as a strained, high-pitched, harsh respiratory sound primarily occurring during inspiration. This sound can manifest during sleep or while awake, indicating potential airway obstruction or other respiratory issues. Here are some key details regarding R06.1:

• Definition: Stridor is a respiratory sound that suggests a narrowing of the airway, often associated with conditions affecting the larynx or trachea. It is important to differentiate stridor from other respiratory sounds such as wheezing or normal breathing patterns [5][15].

• Clinical Significance: The presence of stridor can indicate serious underlying conditions, including laryngitis, croup, or foreign body aspiration. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the severity and context of stridor to determine appropriate interventions [5][15].

• Exclusions: The code R06.1 excludes congenital laryngeal stridor (P28.8) and laryngismus stridulus (J38.5), which are specific conditions that may present similarly but are classified differently in the ICD-10 coding system [7][11].

• Billing and Coding: R06.1 is a billable diagnosis code, meaning it can be used for reimbursement purposes in healthcare settings. The code became effective on October 1, 2024, and is valid for the current fiscal year until September 30, 2025 [11][13].

• Related Codes: Other related codes in the R06 category include R06.0 for dyspnea, R06.2 for wheezing, and R06.3 for periodic breathing, which may be relevant in differential diagnoses when assessing respiratory symptoms [2][3][4].

In summary, R06.1 is a critical code for identifying stridor in patients, guiding clinical assessment and management of potential respiratory complications.