ICD 10 CM A08.4 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 A08.4 describes a medical condition characterized by a viral infection of the gastrointestinal system that is acquired through the consumption of contaminated food or water, with the specific type of virus causing the infection not being specified by the healthcare provider.
Official Description Of A08.4
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code A08.4 as:
Viral gastroenteritis NOS
Viral gastroenteropathy NOS
Excludes1: influenza with involvement of gastrointestinal tract (J09.X3, J10.2, J11.2)
When To Use A08.4
The diagnosis code ICD 10 CM A08.4 pertains to a viral intestinal infection. This medical condition can present itself in various ways, including diarrhea, vomiting, cramps in the abdomen or stomach, fever, joint or muscle pain, and weight loss. It can be caused by various viruses such as Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Adenovirus.
To diagnose viral intestinal infection, healthcare professionals examine the patient’s symptoms, history, and conduct physical examination. Laboratory tests of the feces can additionally detect viruses in the patient’s digestive system.
Unfortunately, antibiotics do not work for viruses. Therefore, treatment includes rehydration through oral or intravenous fluids. This helps the body replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea or vomiting.
In addition to the treatment of viral intestinal infections, prevention is critical. Patients can aid in prevention by washing hands before consuming food. Measures that can limit the spread of these viruses should be implemented in public, institutional, and healthcare settings. Ingesting contaminated food or water is a common way for these viruses to spread, and good hygiene is essential to avoid such contamination.
Early vaccination against the viruses that cause diarrhea in infants is recommended by healthcare professionals. Vaccines such as RotaTeq and Rotarix protect against Rotavirus. The effectiveness of these vaccines has been notable in reducing the number of cases of viral intestinal infection, positively impacting child health.
Ultimately, viral intestinal infections can be debilitating to both adults and children. It is vital for healthcare professionals to diagnose and provide the necessary treatment quickly. In addition, spreading awareness of preventative measures such as hand hygiene and early vaccination can help to reduce cases of this viral infection.
