J96: Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified
J96.9: Respiratory failure, unspecified
Respiratory failure, an acute or chronic condition, occurs when your lungs cannot provide your body with the oxygen it needs or cannot remove the carbon dioxide produced by your body. This imbalance causes oxygen levels to fall and carbon dioxide levels to rise in the blood. Many conditions can lead to respiratory failure, including lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia, or cystic fibrosis. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, bluish color of the skin, confusion, and sleepiness. The condition can develop quickly (acute) or over a long time (chronic), and in severe cases, it is a medical emergency. It mainly affects the respiratory system but can have impacts on other body systems due to the lack of oxygen and excess carbon dioxide in the blood.
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If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.