Healthy Indoor

CHALLENGE
indoor

Why does the
indoor environment matter?

Indoor spaces may appear safe, yet various
unseen factors and air pollutants can affect
respiratory health and comfort.

Your Challenge

Your Challenge

Explore the room, identify the factors that
may affect respiratory well-being, and clear
the space to create a healthier breathing
environment for your patients.

Ready to Take the Challenge?

Step into the room and put your respiratory health knowledge to the test.

  • 1Explore the environment.
  • 2Identify factors that may trigger respiratory symptoms.
  • 3Every correct identification adds to your score.
  • 4Learn why each factor may affect respiratory health.
  • 5Complete the challenge and view your final score.
  • 6Capture your score and visit the Respiratory symposium to claim your prize.
Scoring

Scoring system:

+10 points for every correct factor identified

Maximum score:

70 points

Every factor identified is an opportunity to educate patients and promote better respiratory health.

Let the hunt begin!

Uncover the hidden indoor factors that
may impact respiratory health

  • Viruses
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
0

Respiratory viruses, particularly rhinoviruses, are
the most common cause of the common cold.
They can lead to symptoms such as nasal
congestion, rhinorrhea and may contribute to the
development of rhinosinusitis.1,2

Pollen exposure, an environmental factor, can
contribute to symptoms such as sneezing, nasal
congestion, and an itchy nose.3 Pollen can enter
indoor environments through open windows,
ventilation systems, and outdoor air infiltration.4
Proteins present in pet dander, saliva, and urine
can act as allergens, triggering symptoms such
as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose,
and nasal congestion.5
House dust mites are common indoor allergens
associated with respiratory symptoms such as
sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and nasal
congestion.6
Exposure to mold spores in damp indoor environments
may increase the risk of rhinosinusitis and allergic
fungal sinusitis, contributing to symptoms such as nasal
congestion and rhinorrhoea.7
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from
various household products, including paints, cleaning
agents, and air fresheners. Exposure to VOCs can
contribute to airway inflammation and irritation of the
nose and throat.1-3
Cigarette smoke irritates the nasal mucosa, increasing
inflammation, mucus secretion, and impairing mucociliary
clearance. It may contribute to airway obstruction and
worsen symptoms of allergic rhinitis.10,11

GREAT!

You have spotted the first factor.
Keep going to uncover the others.

GREAT PROGRESS

Keep going.
More factors are waiting to be identified

ONE LAST FACTOR!

You've identified six. Can you find the final factor
to complete the challenge?

CHALLENGE COMPLETE!
WELL DONE!

You've identified 0 indoor factors that may influence
respiratory symptoms

Otrivin: Designed for Effective Relief & Patient Comfort

Rescue your
patients from the
breathing disasters
of modern living

Otrivin Child: Child-Centric Design for Effective Nasal
Congestion Relief

Combining child-
friendly design with
effective nasal
congestion relief

Flonase® Allergy Relief:
The Efficacy of Prescription Fluticasone Propionate with OTC Benefits

Help patients find
relief when they need
it most

Simple Steps for Healthier Breathing

s8-icon1
Stay indoors when pollen counts
are high, avoid outdoor drying,
and keep windows closed.26
s8-icon2
Wash bedding weekly and
reduce indoor humidity26
s8-icon3
Limit exposure and keep
pets out of bedrooms26
s8-icon4
Follow good hand hygiene and stay up to date
with recommended vaccination to help reduce
the risk of respiratory illnesses.25
s8-icon5
Check and improve indoor air quality through
appropriate air filtration, adequate ventilation,
and effective moisture control.4,26

DID YOU KNOW

Everyday indoor environmental and airborne
factors can influence respiratory symptoms and
exacerbate existing nasal conditions.7

DID YOU KNOW

Respiratory viruses, particularly rhinoviruses, are the
leading cause of colds, while allergens such as dust mites
and mold can contribute to respiratory and nasal
symptoms throughout the year.1,4,6,7

DID YOU KNOW

Nasal congestion is a common symptom of upper
respiratory conditions, including the common cold,
influenza, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.19

DID YOU KNOW

Inflammation and swelling of the nasal mucosa
are key contributors to nasal congestion.19

DID YOU KNOW

Persistent nasal congestion can affect sleep
quality, daily activities and quality of life.19

Time to Reveal Your Final Score.

0 score

Score: 0     /70

Every Breath Matters: Why Nasal Health Counts

  • picture

    Take a picture
    of your score

  • symposium

    Join the Symposium:
    1 September, 8:00 - 8:45am EDT
    Room 520-AD

  • prize

    Claim your
    prize

THANK YOU!

Ready for the next challenge?
Take 'The Symptom Match Challenge'

next-quiz

References

  1. CDC. About common cold | Common cold. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  2. Tan KS, Yan Y, Ong HH, Chow VT, Shi L, Wang DY. Impact of respiratory virus infections in exacerbation of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. Current allergy and asthma reports. 2017 Apr;17(4):24.
  3. NHS. Allergic Rhinitis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  4. Gov. UK. Indoor airborne allergens. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/indoor-airborne-allergens. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  5. AAAAI. Pet allergy symptoms, diagnosis, treatment & management. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/pet-allergy. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  6. Brehler R. Clinic and diagnostics of house dust mite allergy. Allergo Journal International. 2023 Feb;32(1):1-4.
  7. WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould. Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289041683. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  8. US EPA. Volatile organic compounds' Impact on indoor air quality. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  9. Kwon JW, Park HW, Kim WJ, Kim MG, Lee SJ. Exposure to volatile organic compounds and airway inflammation. Environmental Health. 2018 Aug 7;17(1):65.
  10. Utiyama DM, Yoshida CT, Goto DM, de Santana Carvalho T, de Paula Santos U, Koczulla AR, Saldiva PH, Nakagawa NK. The effects of smoking and smoking cessation on nasal mucociliary clearance, mucus properties and inflammation. Clinics. 2016 Jun;71(6):344-50.
  11. Songnuy T, Scholand SJ, Panprayoon S. Effects of tobacco smoke on aeroallergen sensitization and clinical severity among university students and staff with allergic rhinitis. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2020;2020(1):1692930.
  12. Xylometazoline hydrochloride GDS v3.0, 2023.
  13. Eccles R, Eriksson M, Garreffa S, Chen SC. The nasal decongestant effect of xylometazoline in the common cold. American journal of rhinology. 2008 Sep;22(5):491-6.
  14. Haleon. Project Khone Hand Dexterity Qualitative Report. Haleon. November 2022
  15. Haleon. Otrivin Khone patient information leaflet.
  16. Haleon. Data on File. Khone Usability Testing Consumer Research: Quantitative, Qualitative and Neuroscientific V2. Jan 2019.
  17. Hagen M, Shanga G, Caron S, Debnath G. Nasal cast deposition for xylo-and oxymetazoline formulations using two different nasal pumps. Rhinol. Online. 2023 Jan 20;6:11-7.
  18. Hagen M, Clark K, Kalita P, Serra G, Sanchez E, Varbiro G, Albasser MM. A real-world study of quality of life following treatment with xylometazoline hydrochloride in individuals with common cold. Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2024 Jan-Dec;18:17534666241228927.
  19. Naclerio RM, Bachert C, Baraniuk JN. Pathophysiology of nasal congestion. International journal of general medicine. 2010 Apr 8:47-57.
  20. Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, Lang DM, Nicklas RA, Oppenheimer J, Portnoy JM, Randolph CC. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 2008 Aug 1;122(2):S1-84.
  21. Bousquet J, Khaltaev N, Cruz AA, Denburg J, Fokkens WJ, Togias A, Zuberbier T, Baena‐Cagnani CE, Canonica GW, Van Weel C, Agache I. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) 2008. Allergy. 2008 Apr;63:8-160.
  22. Derendorf H, Meltzer EO. Molecular and clinical pharmacology of intranasal corticosteroids: Clinical and therapeutic implications. Allergy. 2008;63(10):1292-1300.
  23. Sousa‐Pinto B, Bousquet J, Vieira RJ, Schünemann HJ, Zuberbier T, et al. Allergic (ARIA)‐EAACI Guidelines—2024–2025 Revision: Part I—Guidelines on Intranasal Treatments. Allergy. 2026 Apr;81(4):954-76.
  24. FLONASE® Allergy Relief Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ULC, July 22, 2019.
  25. CDC. Preventing respiratory illnesses | Respiratory illnesses. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]
  26. AAFA. Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. Available at: https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/. [Accessed August 6th, 2026]