When your stuffy nose and watery red eyes hang around indefinitely, it’s probably allergies. A dust allergy is set off by an allergen in the air and worsened by household chores like vacuuming, sweeping, or dusting. More severe reactions can include asthma-like symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Dust allergies are caused by particles in the air you breathe that can come from pet dander, mold, the microscopic droppings of dust mites or cockroaches, and other factors. If you want to find out exactly what you are sensitive to, you can visit a Board-Certified Allergist.