Brazil sees surge in asthma crises among children during winter

Health officials warn that Brazil’s winter conditions—closed windows, low humidity, dust, and increased viral circulation—trigger a rise in asthma attacks, particularly among children and adolescents. Experts stress that the cold itself is not the main cause; rather, respiratory viruses and indoor irritants exacerbate poorly controlled asthma.

Emilio Pizzichini, coordinator of the SBPT Asthma Committee, advises maintaining daily preventive medication, keeping homes well‑ventilated, avoiding mold, dust, and exposure to tobacco smoke (including e‑cigarettes). Vaccination against influenza, COVID‑19 and respiratory syncytial virus is recommended to reduce infection‑related flare‑ups.

Data from Brazil’s health information system show 4,034 hospitalisations of patients aged 0‑14 in July 2024, almost double the 2,108 recorded in January. For the whole year, 52,087 asthma admissions were recorded, with 73.7 % involving children and adolescents. The country has roughly 20 million people with asthma, each typically experiencing one to two respiratory infections per year. The combined advice aims to lower the risk of severe attacks and hospitalisations during the winter months.