J18

J18 or ICD-10 J18 is a code in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO). The code J18 specifically refers to pneumonia, an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli.

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Causes

Pneumonia can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae – the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia
• Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common viral cause of pneumonia
• In infants infected with HIV, Pneumocystis jiroveci is one of the most common causes of pneumonia, responsible for at least one quarter of all pneumonia deaths in HIV-infected infants.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
• Cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating and shaking chills
• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Treatment

Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications. People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication. In some cases, people may need to be hospitalized.

See also

• ICD-10 Chapter X: Diseases of the respiratory system
• List of ICD-9 codes 460–519: diseases of the respiratory system