OBJECTIVES: to assess social and economic burden of a Bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Russian Federation. METHODS: “Cost of illness” analysis was performed. Available data on epidemiology of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Russian Federation has been analyzed. Experts were questioned to describe the common practice of treating patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Direct costs, indirect costs and intangible costs were calculated.  RESULTS: According to the state registration data, in 2007 the number of patients with bronchial asthma was 1.3 million and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -  2.4 million. The burden of bronchial asthma incorporates direct costs (€220.9 million), indirect costs (€67.4 million) and intangible costs (€69.6 million). The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is €210.6 million, €212 million, €207 million for direct costs, indirect costs and intangible costs respectively. Cost of  BA and COPD is €987.8 million. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the analysis Bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease proved to be an important medical and social problem in Russian Federation.