AbstractThere is an enormous gap between an optimal approach built on a scientific fundament of up‐dated knowledge, and practice limited by lack of resources and/or failing education. Advances have been made in our knowledge and understanding of basic mechanisms, mode of action of various causative factors and different pathophysiological reaction patterns and the heterogeneity of the patient population in question. This has provided a better basis for understanding and treating the child.Methods and tools for diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary function have been somewhat improved at the same time as better tools and drugs for management have been developed.Parallel to this pediatricians have also made progress as to consciousness and consideration for the consequences that a chronic disease such as asthma may have for the child and his family, and with better understanding of family dynamics. This has laid the cornerstone for a much needed holistic medical approach to asthma in children and adolescent