Acute Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis in Children from Southern Brazil: Epidemiology of Hospitalizations Between 2019 and 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Acute bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, often associated with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while acute bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial walls. These conditions are responsible for a significant number of hospitalizations in children due to the vulnerability of their respiratory system. OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the epidemiology of hospitalizations due to acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children up to 14 years old in the southern region of Brazil between 2019 and 2023. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective, quantitative epidemiological study analyzed hospitalizations by acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children up to 14 years old in the southern region of Brazil from January 2019 to December 2023. Data were extracted from the SIH/SUS through the DATASUS platform. Variables analyzed included region/federative unit, processing year, age group, sex, race/color, nature of the care provided, and total cost. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, with the results presented in tables and graphs in Microsoft Word. RESULTS: During the period from 2019 to 2023, 53,103 hospitalizations by acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis were recorded among children in the southern region. The year 2020 had the lowest number of hospitalizations and the lowest expenditure (1,839 hospitalizations; R$ 772,770.73), while 2023 recorded the highest figures in both aspects (18,071 hospitalizations; R$ 11,288,467.89). The state of Rio Grande do Sul led with 53.26% of cases, while Santa Catarina had the lowest incidence (21.83%). Children under one year of age were the most affected (79.32%), with a predominance of males (58.81%) and those self-declared as white (71.20%). The majority of hospitalizations were classified as urgent (96.46%). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that hospitalizations by acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis are prevalent among children in the southern region, especially among boys under one year of age, those who are white, and residents of Rio Grande do Sul. Awareness campaigns focused on hygiene measures and educating parents about the early signs of the disease are essential to reduce these hospitalizations.