R09.81 — Nasal congestion

R09.81

ICD-10 Chapter 18: Symptoms, Signs & Abnormal Findings — illustrative image — Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00–R99) — illustrative image

What this code means

Nasal congestion is a blocked, stuffy nose from swollen nasal tissues.

Also called: nasal congestion, blocked nose, stuffy nose.

When this code is used

Used for nasal congestion.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code R09.81 belongs to Chapter 18: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified, which covers codes R00–R99 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code R09.81?

R09.81 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Nasal congestion”. Nasal congestion is a blocked, stuffy nose from swollen nasal tissues.

When is code R09.81 used?

Used for nasal congestion. It belongs to Chapter 18 of ICD-10-CM (Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.