2023| K21.9: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease without oesophagitis

 

There is gastric acid in your gullet:

• ICD-10-CM K21.9 turned effectual on October 1, 2022, according to the 2023 edition.
• K21.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10 code that can be applied to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement uses. 
• K21.9 is the American ICD-10-CM version. Other global versions of ICD-10 k21.9 may vary.

Applicable to; Esophageal reflux NOS

The gullet or esophagus is a muscular tube that joins the mouth with the stomach. The muscles of the esophagus help to move the food toward the stomach. To prevent the stomach's gastric acid and contents from being rehearsed into the esophagus, the esophagus is closed by a sphincter muscle at the joint to the stomach. Only at the time of swallowing is the esophagus briefly open, it's the muscle to the stomach.

The sphincter muscles between the stomach and gullet are not appropriately stiff. Sometimes, gastric acid from the stomach is regurgitated into the gullet due to the permeable closing. When you are doing physical activity or lying down, it may get worse and cause heartburn (when you feel a burning in the throat or chest) and acid indigestion (when you taste stomach fluid in the back of the mouth).

The gullet can be swollen by gastric acid because the inside of the gullet is creased with a mucous membrane. The gastric acid attacks the mucous membrane of the gullet.  

Symptoms can be worse if gastric acid produces in a high amount. Some food substances facilitate the formation of more gastric acid such as alcohol, and coffee. Smoking and stress can also be the reason for more gastric acid production.

If you have acid indigestion or heartburn or similar symptoms more than twice a week, you may have GERD. Infants and children can have GERD. If treatment is not taken, it can lead to more serious health problems. Some cases may need surgery or medicines. However, most people can improve their symptoms by

• Avoid eating close to bedtime
• Avoiding spicy and alcoholic, acidic, or fatty foods that trigger heartburn 
• Try to take smaller meals
• Wearing loose clothing
• Trying to lose weight

Read more 2023 ICD-10 diagnosis code E02

Approximate synonyms:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Esophageal reflux finding
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease co-occurrent and due to paraesophageal hernia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease co-occurrent and due to diaphragmatic hernia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease with diaphragmatic hernia
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia
• Gastroesophageal reflux in children
• Reflux laryngitis
• Gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease) (heartburn)
• Laryngitis due to gastroesophageal reflux
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease 

Read more 2023 ICD-10 E03.9 hypothyroidism

Note:

This piece of writing is not aimed at self-diagnosis and it can’t replace professional health advice from health experts. If you get an ICD code on a personal health document, please also note the further indicator used for diagnostic assurance. 

Your health expert will help you with any health-associated queries and explain the ICD diagnosis code to you in a direct visit if needed.