Panorama das bronquiectasias no Brasil: tendências e características epidemiológicas (2019–2024)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by abnormal and permanent dilation of the bronchi. Clinically, it manifests as chronic cough, sputum production, and bronchial infection. Diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical presentation and imaging findings, and treatment should be individualized with the aim of improving the patient’s quality of life. The increasing prevalence and incidence of the disease in different regions of the world have become a cause for concern due to its significant socioeconomic impact. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological scenario of bronchiectasis in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: An epidemiological, retrospective, and descriptive study was conducted using morbidity data by Brazilian region obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). Data collection was secondary, carried out through the SUS Informatics Department (DATASUS) in February 2025, covering the period from January 2019 to December 2024. For the analysis, filters by geographic region were applied. Demographic and clinical variables associated with hospitalizations for bronchiectasis were considered, including sex, age group, year of hospitalization, and occurrence of death. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A progressive reduction in hospitalizations for bronchiectasis was observed in Brazil, possibly related to changes in the organization of health services, diagnosis, or case reporting. There was a slight predominance of hospitalizations among women, which may indicate differences in disease expression between sexes or a greater tendency among women to seek medical care. The most affected age group was between 50 and 59 years, reinforcing the trend of higher occurrence or worsening of bronchiectasis with aging. Geographically, the Northeast Region showed the highest number of deaths. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the current profile of bronchiectasis in Brazil, showing greater susceptibility among the elderly, women, and residents of the Northeast region. It emphasizes the importance of expanding research on the disease to deepen the understanding of predisposing factors and guide more effective public health intervention strategies.