Introduction:

Deaths of primary respiratory origin are codified in the group «J» of the international classification of diseases (ICD-10) but also distributed in several other codes. If al respiratory deaths are not compiled, the impact of respiratory diseases may be underestimated and this may reduce the public impact of respiratory diseases and the resources assigned to them with adverse effects on patients.

Methods:

The mortality statistics from México 2015 were reviewed classified by the ICD-10. We obtained the total sum of deaths due primarily to respiratory diseases (including upper and lower airways, and thorax) classified in group «J» and in other codes.

Results:

A total of 79,383 respiratory deaths were reported in 2015, distributed in «J» codes (54,173) and outside J codes (25,210). Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of death in Mexico, especially COPD, influenza-pneumonia, malignant toracic diseases, neonatal respiratory deaths, disorders of the pulmonary circulation, interstitial lung diseases, asthma y tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

The relevance of respiratory diseases should be acknowledged so that they receive at least the same attention and resources offered to other diseases better known to the public but not necessarily more important.