Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is one of the most important transcription factors; it has a key role in inflammatory and immune responses, cell adhesion, developmental signals, and anti-apoptosis process. Inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this review, we highlight the role of NF-kappaB in inflammatory lung disease, the strategies which block the activation of NF-kappaB, and the therapeutic approaches to treating inflammatory lung disease.