Objective To observe the effects of respiratory management on lung function and self-efficacy in patients with asthma. Methods A total of 138 patients with asthma were divided into control group (n=69, given routine nursing of respiratory diseases) and respiratory management group (n=69, established respiratory management team on the basis of routine nursing). The changes of lung function indexes (oxygen saturation, percentage of forced vital capacity in 1 s of predicted value, maximum expiratory flow, 6-min walking test) were observed in the two groups. And the scores of self-care ability measurement scale and chronic disease general self-efficacy scale were compared. Results After intervention, the oxygen saturation, percentage of forced vital capacity in 1 s of predicted value, maximum expiratory flow and 6-min walking test index were significantly increased in the two groups (P<0.05), and the increases of indexes in respiratory management group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of five items of self-care skills, self-responsibility, self-concept, health knowledge level and total score of self-care ability measurement scale and the score of chronic disease general self-efficacy scale were significantly improved in the two groups (P<0.05), and the increases of indexes in respiratory management group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Respiratory management can improve lung function and enhance self-care ability and self-efficacy level in patients with asthma.