EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF ACUTE BRONCHITIS AND BRONCHIOLITIS IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS IN BRAZIL: ANALYSIS OF DATASUS DATA (2014–2025)

Abstract

 Acute respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations and deaths due to acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis in Brazil from 2014 to 2025. This is an ecological, descriptive study based on secondary data from the Brazilian Unified Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/DATASUS). Hospitalizations, deaths, case fatality rates, and incidence rates were analyzed by region and period. A total of 606,693 hospitalizations and 1,579 deaths were recorded, with an average case fatality rate of 0.35%. An increasing trend was observed in the pre-pandemic period, followed by a sharp decline in 2020–2021 and a significant rise in the post-pandemic period, peaking in 2023. The Southeast and South regions accounted for most cases, while the North region showed the highest fatality rate. An epidemiological paradox was identified, with higher mortality proportions in regions with fewer hospitalizations. These findings indicate changes in disease patterns after the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight regional inequalities in access to and quality of healthcare. Acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis remain relevant public health concerns, requiring strategies focused on equity and epidemiological surveillance.