Intractable asthma which had not been relieved by desensitization, bronchodilators, changes of climate, steroids, and other standard therapeutic methods was treated in 157 patients by removal of one carotid body and in 3 others by removal of both carotid bodies. The glomectomy was done under local anesthesia. Some patients reported noticeable relief either after the novocain was injected into the carotid body, or at the instant of its removal. Slightly over half of the patients were either dramatically or significantly improved. No alterations of blood pressure or of heart rate were observed, and there were no immediate or late untoward sequelae.