ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE 2023 AND 2026 PROTOCOLS

Abstract

This article analyzes the main changes introduced by Joint Ordinance SAES/SCTIE No. 43/2026 in relation to the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) for Asthma of 2023, available in Brazil. This is a descriptive and comparative documentary research, based on the analysis of official documents from the Ministry of Health. Changes in diagnostic criteria, severity classification, therapeutic strategies, and care organization were evaluated. The 2026 update demonstrates alignment with the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA 2025), consolidating changes in disease management with greater emphasis on inflammation control and reduction of the risk of exacerbations. A focus on the use of inhaled corticosteroids associated with formoterol, incorporation of inflammatory biomarkers, and strengthening of precision medicine in severe cases were observed. The new protocol also reinforces the role of Primary Health Care and includes the social determinants of health. It is concluded that the 2026 PCDT represents an important step forward in improving the quality of asthma care within the SUS (Brazilian Public Health System).