During the 3-year period 1980 - 1982, 351 patients were certified as having died from asthma in the Cape Town City Council area. An additional cause of death was listed in 120 of these. Of the 231 patients certified as having died from asthma only, 179 (77.5%) were over 40 years of age. The circumstances surrounding death in 28 of the remaining 52 patients under the age of 40 years are described. Inadequate assessment and therapy were major contributing factors. The incidence of death from asthma in Cape Town is three times greater than in the UK. It is probable that this also applies in other parts of the RSA. There is a need for improved education of health care professionals and patients about this common disease and for better community facilities for its treatment.