How to take care of your respiratory health? Five key recommendations from experts
Respiratory health is one of the fundamental pillars of maintaining overall well-being. As respiratory illnesses increase in many parts of the world, preventive measures are essential.
The startup Samay , with its innovative technology, has stood out in the region for its contribution to lung health and its message of prevention.
Five key recommendations for taking care of respiratory health Since developing its Sylvee device, a breakthrough in respiratory diagnostics, Samay has compiled a series of recommendations based on its experience with technology and lung health. Below, we share five key tips for taking care of your lung health:
- Early medical consultation: It's essential that if you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or a history of smoking, you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial for managing respiratory diseases like COPD, which can become chronic and serious if not treated promptly.
- Monitor your lung function: If you live in an area with limited access to specialists, it's important to ask your doctor about options that allow you to regularly monitor your lung health. Continuous monitoring is vital to detect problems early and prevent serious complications.
- Follow proper inhaler use: Inhalers are crucial in the treatment of various respiratory illnesses. It's important to use them as prescribed by your doctor and avoid discontinuing use without consulting a specialist, as doing so can lead to complications.
- Avoid self-medication: Although there are numerous devices and treatments for respiratory illnesses, it's vital to rely only on those that have been scientifically validated and medically approved. Self-medication can be dangerous and lead to unwanted consequences.
- Reduce exposure to pollutants: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution can seriously affect lung health. Make sure to properly ventilate cooking areas, avoid smoking, and wear protective clothing in environments with high levels of pollution.
Proper ventilation contributes to better lung health. Photo: Getty Images
Samay, the startup founded by Colombian-American physician-scientist María Artunduaga, has reached an important milestone in the medical technology industry. It was recently named the best startup in Colombia at the national finals of the GoFest 2025 Entrepreneurship Route, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce's most important innovation and entrepreneurship festival.
The company successfully passed a rigorous selection process that began with around 3,000 applications and was narrowed down to a competition among 120 startups, 40 per location. In the regional phase, Samay reached the Top 5 in Bogotá and then prevailed in the national final against other prominent startups such as SciPhage, Motai, Arma tu vaca, Platam, and Helpy, in a competition before international juries.
GoFest 2025, which took place from August 26 to 30 at Ágora Bogotá, brought together tens of thousands of attendees, 280 investors, and 150 speakers under the slogan "Unlock Your Future," consolidating the Colombian capital as a regional center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Juan David Castaño, Vice President of Business Strengthening at the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Samay's impact on the scientific and business ecosystem. "Samay's success sends a powerful message: science can generate real global impact. When young people see a Colombian doctor creating patented technology that saves lives internationally, it changes their perception of the scientific possibilities in our country," he commented.
Dr. María Artunduaga, CEO and Founder of Samay, at Gofest 2025. Photo: Provided
Samay has developed Sylvee, a portable device that uses acoustic resonance and artificial intelligence to assess lung function. This tool detects biomarkers of respiratory attacks and measures the response to inhalers , replacing complex and costly processes such as traditional spirometry, which requires repeated maneuvers and specialized personnel. In this way, the device promises to make respiratory assessments accessible in both urban and rural areas.
This project has a personal origin for Dr. Artunduaga, as the loss of her grandmother to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) inspired her to develop technology to improve diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Sylvee takes her name in homage to this family legacy.
In Latin America, COPD remains an underdiagnosed disease, with underdiagnosis rates as high as 89% in some cities, limiting early detection and access to timely treatment. Spirometry, considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing this disease, remains expensive and difficult to implement in health systems with limited infrastructure.
More news in EL TIEMPO *This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from Samay. It was also reviewed by the journalist and an editor.
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