Although sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose are symptoms common to both a cold and to allergies, a cold usually lasts a week or so. Allergies can last months, or even all year.

If you wake up sneezing, wheezing, or hacking, have plugged ears, itchy eyes, a dull headache, or a runny nose... your symptoms may not be from a cold.

If any of those symptoms have lingered for more than 10 days, you may be one of the 50 million people in the country suffering from INDOOR allergies.

Microscopic allergens live inside unprotected pillows, mattresses, and box springs.

A typical unprotected mattress may have anywhere from 10,000 to 10 million dust mites inside. An unprotected pillow increases in weight 10% every two years due to dust mites and dust mite feces.

Covering bedding with protectors can help reduce allergen triggers in the bedroom.

An estimated 10% to 15% of the entire population may be allergic to animals, and more than 70% have a cat or a dog.

Asthma is a chronic and serious disorder that affects 22 million Americans, making it hard for them to breathe and to oxygenate blood. It causes swelling and inflammation of the airways that bring air into the lungs, and can be life-threatening.

According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, 70% of people with asthma also suffer from allergies.

The most common form of asthma is allergic asthma. It is triggered by inhaling allergens such as the protein found in dust mite and cockroach droppings, pet dander, pollen, and mold. Asthma sufferers sensitive to dust mite allergens can benefit from limiting exposure to common household allergy triggers.