Mar 8 • 08:01 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Fibromyalgia appointments rise 35% in SP

There has been a significant increase in fibromyalgia-related health appointments in São Paulo, with a reported 35% rise in 2025 compared to previous years.

In São Paulo, Brazil, the health department reported a startling 35% increase in ambulatory appointments for fibromyalgia in 2025. The total number of these appointments rose from 28,640 in 2024 to 38,662 in 2025. This alarming trend highlights the growing recognition of the condition and possibly increasing rates of diagnosis among healthcare providers, reflecting a broader awareness of fibromyalgia and its symptoms.

Furthermore, the need for hospitalization due to fibromyalgia has surged drastically over the past three years, with cases rising fivefold. In 2023, there were only 39 instances of hospitalization due to the condition, but this number jumped to 118 in 2024 and reached 198 in 2025. The increase in hospitalizations indicates that more patients are experiencing severe symptoms that require acute care, such as intense pain crises or complications like irritable bowel syndrome associated with fibromyalgia.

In the capital city, the trend is similarly concerning, with Basic Health Units (UBS) reporting 24,421 appointments in 2025 alone, involving 14,882 patients suspected or diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Recognizing and diagnosing fibromyalgia is critical, as proper identification can lead to improved treatment options and increased overall well-being for patients, signifying a pivotal moment in public health regarding chronic pain management in Brazil.

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