J85: Abscess of lung and mediastinum

J85 refers to Abscess of lung and mediastinum, which involves accumulation of pus either within the lung tissue (lung abscess), surrounding structures (mediastinum), or pleural cavity (pyothorax). These are serious infections that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid sepsis or respiratory failure.

Symptoms

• Fever and chills – Indicate an active infection
• Productive cough with foul-smelling sputum – Common in lung abscess (J85)
• Chest pain and dyspnea – Seen in both lung abscess and pyothorax (J86)
• Night sweats and fatigue – Indicate chronic or systemic infection
• Decreased breath sounds – Suggest pleural space involvement in J86
• Weight loss – May occur in long-standing pulmonary infections

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Abscess of lung and mediastinum involves chest X-ray, CT scan, blood cultures, sputum cultures, and sometimes bronchoscopy or thoracentesis. Accurate imaging and fluid analysis are essential to distinguish abscesses from tumors or other fluid accumulations.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code J85 is used by pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and hospitalists. It supports documentation of severe lower respiratory infections, procedural needs like drainage, and antimicrobial therapy billing.

Related Codes

• J86 – Pyothorax

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code J85?
A: It refers to Abscess of lung and mediastinum, which involves pus formation in or around the lungs, requiring prompt diagnosis and drainage.

Q2: What causes lung abscesses (J85)?
A: Usually aspiration of oropharyngeal contents, especially in patients with impaired consciousness or poor dental hygiene.

Q3: How is pyothorax (J86) treated?
A: Treatment includes antibiotics and drainage via thoracentesis, chest tube, or surgery if necessary.

Q4: Are these conditions life-threatening?
A: Yes—if untreated, they can lead to sepsis, respiratory failure, or empyema requiring invasive management.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Pulmonologists, infectious disease experts, and thoracic surgeons, often in inpatient settings.

Conclusion

ICD10 code J85 ensures proper classification of Abscess of lung and mediastinum, guiding clinical interventions, hospitalization, surgical drainage, and antibiotic management for severe lung infections.