Though not full of pollen like spring and fall are, winter time poses its own challenges for allergy and asthma sufferers. This is mainly related to the fact that winter causes individuals to spend an increasing amount of time indoors, where allergens accumulate and cause symptoms.

A recent article in Medical News Today, Leave Winter Allergy and Asthma Misery Out in the Cold: Allergists Offer Tips for Eliminating Indoor Triggers highlights some tips for keeping indoor allergens at a minimum, including:

• Not allowing moisture buildup (think unventilated bathrooms).
• Keeping humidity below 55 percent.
• Installing high efficiency furnace filters and changing them every three months.
• Keeping pets out of the bedroom.
• Minimizing the use of curtains, which collect dust.
• Cleaning your home regularly and using an N-95 mask when you do.
• Washing bedding and stuffed animals in hot water at least every two weeks.
• Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
• Removing chemicals, insecticides, and other noxious products from the garage (store in shed outside instead), and don't start the car in the garage.
• Boxing up books and knick-knacks to keep them from collecting dust.
• Opting for non-porous furniture, such as leather couches.