Asthma is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by airway inflammation and constriction. It is the most common chronic childhood illness, with 50% of cases beginning before age 10. An asthma attack can be life-threatening and lead to respiratory failure if not properly treated. Nurses play an important role in quickly assessing severity, administering bronchodilators and other medications, monitoring the patient, providing education on triggers and ongoing management. The goals of treatment are to maintain normal lung function and prevent exacerbations and adverse effects of medications.