Pneumonia: epidemiological panel of morbidity in Brazil (2021–2025) and the importance of physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases worldwide, representing a significant public health issue due to the high frequency of hospital admissions, substantial healthcare costs, and its impact on the population's quality of life. Objective: The epidemiological profile of hospital morbidity due to pneumonia in Brazil from 2021 to 2025 was described, considering its temporal, geographic, and sociodemographic distribution; additionally, the importance of respiratory physiotherapy in the care of patients with pneumonia was discussed based on scientific literature. Methods: An epidemiological study was conducted using the Hospital Information System, with data collection performed in August 2026; the study period spanned 2021 to 2025, and the variables analyzed included the year of processing, region, age group, race/color, and sex. Results: A total of 5,963,622 hospital admissions for pneumonia were recorded in Brazil between 2021 and 2025, showing an upward trend over the study period—rising from 360,954 records in 2021 to 704,457 in 2025. The Southeast region accounted for the highest number of admissions, followed by the Northeast and South regions. Higher frequencies were observed among individuals self-identifying as *pardo* (mixed-race) (51.65%), with a slight male predominance (51.6%) and a higher impact on the extremes of the age spectrum, particularly among the elderly aged 80 years or older (20.02%) and children aged 1 to 4 years (17.11%). These findings corroborate existing literature by highlighting the heightened vulnerability of young children and the elderly, as well as the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors on the disease's distribution. In this context, the importance of respiratory physiotherapy in hospital care and functional rehabilitation stands out, as it contributes to improved pulmonary ventilation, secretion clearance, complication prevention, reduced length of hospital stay, and the recovery of functional capacity. Conclusion: Pneumonia remains a significant cause of hospital-related morbidity in Brazil, with a growing impact on the healthcare system and a higher incidence among vulnerable groups. The findings underscore the need to strengthen strategies for prevention, vaccination, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary care. Respiratory physiotherapy emerges as an essential component in the treatment and rehabilitation of these patients, contributing to better clinical outcomes, reduced readmission rates, and improved quality of life.