Three children who were moribund because of severe status asthmaticus survived. They were treated by muscle paralysis, endotracheal intubation, and controlled respiration when vigorous medical therapy appeared to have failed. One patient had four such experiences. This method of treatment is indicated only for the purpose of gaining adequate time for medical therapy to become effective. The occurrence of adrenalin fastness in respiratory acidosis, the additive effect of antibiotics on curarization, and the use of sedation warrant caution. The advantages of this method over those of inhalation anesthesia are many.