During the recent emergency the care of patients seriously ill from asthma was thrust on many physicians who were not especially interested or trained for this responsibility. Contrary to the pessimistic view frequently expressed by the public, considerable benefit can be given most patients with asthma by the application of measures now at the command of most physicians. These two considerations have prompted us to reexamine the procedure and remedies which have been found most helpful at the Mayo Clinic in the symptomatic treatment of the patient severely ill with asthma. HOSPITALIZATION Severe asthma can be treated best in a hospital, and preferably the patient should have a private room. There are a number of reasons for hospitalization. In the first place, nervous factors are often important in aggravating asthma. Patients who are apprehensive or panic stricken by their dyspnea in an atmosphere of anxiety caused by an oversolicitous family