Respiratory diseases in Mexico: analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021

Abstract

Background: Respiratory diseases (RD) are often analyzed separately rather than collectively, possibly leading to an underestimation of their total burden. Objective: To analyze the burden of RD in Mexico for population aged 20 or older from 1990 to 2021. Material and methods: We present the burden of RD in Mexico based on estimates of the Global Burden of Disease study for mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), comprising counts, rates per 100,000, as well as age-standardized rates. RDs were categorized into three key groups: chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), respiratory infections (RI), and respiratory cancers. Results: In 2021, among those aged 20+, RDs were responsible for 336,728 deaths, which accounts for 30.5% of total deaths —a nearly threefold increase since 2019, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CRDs contributed with 3.4% of total deaths; RIs, with 25.9%; and respiratory cancers, with 1.2%. CRDs showed a continuous rise in deaths, crude mortality, and DALY rates across genders, with no signs of leveling. RD burden varied widely across Mexican states. Age-standardized CRD mortality rates have generally declined since 1990, except for interstitial lung diseases, which have consistently increased. Conclusion: The significant burden of mortality and disability due to RDs in Mexico underscores the n|ecessity for enhanced prevention, research, and for addressing risk factors such as smoking and pollution. Ongoing healthcare training can help reduce RD burden.