Epidemiological Overview of Hospitalizations Due to Acute Laryngitis and Tracheitis in Brazil (2015–2025)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the epidemiology of hospitalizations due to acute laryngitis and tracheitis

in Brazil from 2015 to 2025. This is a retrospective, quantitative, and epidemiological study using

secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System

(SIH/DATASUS). Variables analyzed included geographic region, age group, sex, and race/color.

During the study period, 91,783 hospitalizations due to acute laryngitis and tracheitis were recorded,

with the highest concentration in the Southeast region (29.4%), followed by the Northeast (25.2%)

and North (19.6%). Pediatric age groups were the most affected, particularly children aged 1 to 4

years (39.2%) and infants under 1 year of age (19.4%), highlighting increased vulnerability in early

childhood. There was a predominance of males (56.0%), and most hospitalizations occurred among

individuals classified as brown (44.2%), although a substantial proportion of records lacked

race/color information (22.8%). The temporal analysis revealed a marked decline in hospitalizations

from 2020 onward, followed by partial recovery in subsequent years, suggesting an impact of

COVID-19 pandemic-related public health measures on respiratory virus circulation. These

findings highlight the significant healthcare burden associated with acute respiratory infections in

Brazil and underscore the importance of strengthening primary healthcare, improving health

information systems, and expanding preventive and pediatric care strategies.