Indoor allergens:  When it's cold outside we tend to spend more time indoors with the heat cranked and windows shut.  This increases our exposure to seasonal viruses, and it also increases our exposure to things we're allergic to such as pets and dust mites.

Accoding to our own Dr. Fred Little (Asthma triggers of winter and fall) the best way to avoid these triggers is to:

• Know you allergies (have allergy testing done)
• Remove pets from house
• Or at least keep pets out of rooms where asthmatics sleep
• Have exterminator assist with pest control
• Cover mattresses and pillows with dust mite covers
• Wash bedding regularly
• Wash upholstered furniture regularly (or purchase vinyl or leather furniture)
• Avoid wall to wall carpeting (rugs are better, no rugs are best)
• Wash carpets or rugs regularly

If you're a parent of an asthmatic child it is of utmost importance that you maintain good contact with your child's pediatrician, be vigilant to your or your child's early warning signs of asthma, and know your child's asthma triggers.  The same can be said for adult asthmatics.