OBJECTIVES Estimate the disease burden and cost generating components of asthma from a health institution perspective in a region of Colombia. METHODS This was a descriptive, retrospective, prevalence based study which included 2179 clinical charts from patients between children and adults from 2006 to 2009 in a region of Colombia. Direct costs for hospital care, medication and sick benefit were taken from clinical charts, indirect costs arising from rehabilitation and premature death and early retirement were estimated using the human capital approach (HCA) and friction costs method (FCM). RESULTS Total costs for asthma, including direct and indirect costs, were calculated at 850.000 American dollars. CONCLUSIONS There is room for substantial savings in the Colombian hospital, with indirect costs amounting to 74.8% of total costs and payment of sick benefits through the sickness funds amounting to 58.3% of indirect costs. These results gives a descriptive diagnosis which can be used to implement cost containing policies in the Colombian hospitals, costs may be reduced with better asthma control in patients.