Have been selected for this review: 1) the recent and impressive development of high-resolution and spiral CT scan in pediatric thoracic imaging; 2) the emerging of new and promising therapies for asthma (long acting inhaled beta 2-agonists, leukotriene antagonists, anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies); 3) the multifactorial origin of asthma in childhood; 4) the development of thoracoscopic surgery, a minimal-invasive approach beneficial in numerous circumstances.