Introduction: Statistical data on the structure of acute respiratory diseases incidence in the paediatric population are still scarce. The demand for such data results mainly from the need to constantly implement new systemic and economic solutions.
The aim of the study was to attempt to use reported data for an assessment of the incidence of acute respiratory diseases in various age groups.
Material and methods: An analysis of selected acute respiratory diseases was conducted in relation to diagnoses reported from 1 January to 31 December 2014 to the National Health Fund (NFZ, Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) in accordance with the codes of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. The study was conducted under the Knowledge Education Development operational programme co-funded by the European Social Fund.
Results: A total of 101,000 children were hospitalised due to acute respiratory diseases, which amounted to 1,554 hospitalisa-tions per 100.000. The most common causes of hospitalisation were pneumonia and bronchitis/bronchiolitis. Boys were hospital-ised more often in each age group. The shortest average length of stay (ALOS) was 5.21 days and concerned hospitalisation due to bronchitis. The longest length of stay for children was due to tuberculosis (14.3 days). The highest age average of a child was recorded in pleural diseases (10.51 years) and the lowest in bronchitis (2.93 years). Rehospitalisation was necessary in children in whom tuberculosis or pleural diseases were diagnosed (1.43 vs 1.34). A total of 67 inpatient deaths were recorded, of which 19 were due to pneumonia or its complications.
Conclusions: Epidemiological data reported to the National Health Fund (NFZ) seem quite reliable and do not differ significantly from those reported in other European countries. The analysed data may be useful in estimating health needs in paediatrics.