SummaryAcute severe asthma in children should be managed by immediate attention to the patient's clinical condition. Careful observation, the use of sequential pulmonary function tests and appropriate blood gas studies will facilitate evaluation of severity. Therapy should be directed at the reversal and7sol;or correction of these abnormalities as well as anticipation of early treatment of potential complications. By the aggressive management of this condition, the incidence of complications can be reduced, the length of hospital stay shortened and substantial morbidity and possible mortality minimized.