Infectious Diseases
The Infectious Diseases Department at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi is by your side with an expert team for the diagnosis and treatment of all infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
About the department
Invisible microorganisms—viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—are at the root of many health issues we face in daily life. Infectious diseases are a broad group of illnesses that occur when these microorganisms enter our body, multiply, and trigger our immune system. At the BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi Infectious Diseases Department, we offer both preventive and therapeutic medical services. In our JCI-accredited hospital, we provide care based on medical ethics, prioritizing patient safety in the light of evidence-based medical practices. In your search for an infectious diseases specialist in Istanbul, we safeguard your health with our international-standard infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT?
Which Diseases and Conditions Are Treated?
Our department offers diagnosis and treatment services for a wide range of conditions, from a simple cold to complex systemic infections. The main health issues we address include:
- Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Treatment of illnesses such as the flu, common cold, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. For more information on these conditions, which peak during the winter months, you can review our article Protection Guide Against Viral Infections Increasing as Winter Approaches.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Infections affecting the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. For successful urinary tract infection treatment, selecting the right antibiotic and investigating underlying causes are of great importance.
- Viral Hepatitis: Monitoring and treating viral infections affecting the liver, such as Hepatitis A, B, and C. Our department operates as one of the reliable reference centers for viral hepatitis treatment in Istanbul.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Cellulitis, erysipelas, abscesses, and various fungal infections.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diagnosis and treatment of infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV within the framework of strict confidentiality principles. You can also benefit from our article The Effect of Seasonal Changes on Vaginal Infections.
- Diabetic Foot Infections: Treatment of non-healing foot ulcers seen in diabetic patients. Effective diabetic foot infection treatment is vital to prevent limb loss.
- Travel Infections: Pre-travel counseling, necessary vaccinations, and the treatment of infections that develop after returning from international travel.
Diagnostic Methods and Laboratory Infrastructure
In infectious diseases, the right treatment is only possible with an accurate and rapid diagnosis. At BHT CLINIC, thanks to our advanced microbiology laboratory infrastructure, we can quickly identify the infectious agent. Our modern diagnostic methods include rapid antigen tests, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests, blood cultures, urine and wound cultures, and detailed serological tests. Thanks to PCR tests in particular, the genetic material of viruses and bacteria can be detected within hours, ensuring the most appropriate treatment begins without delay. To prevent unnecessary antibiotic use, our laboratory conducts antibiogram tests to precisely determine which medication the microorganism is susceptible to.
Treatment Methods and Practices
The treatment plans applied in our department are customized according to the patient's general health status, age, immune system, and the type of infection. In bacterial infections, we strictly adhere to the principles of rational antibiotic use, following strategies to prevent the development of resistance. We use antiviral medications and supportive therapies for viral infections, and specific antifungals for fungal infections. In complex cases like diabetic foot infections, we act with a multidisciplinary approach by forming a council with orthopedics, endocrinology, and wound care specialists. Additionally, we provide preventive medical services against diseases such as hepatitis, pneumococcus (pneumonia), and the flu through adult vaccination programs.
Technology and Our Expert Team
Our hospital's Infectious Diseases Department serves with a team of experienced physicians. One of our department physicians, Assist. Prof. Cengiz UZUN, MD, has deep expertise in viral hepatitis, diabetic foot infections, respiratory tract infections, and rational antibiotic use. Closely following current medical literature, our expert team works in integration with our 24/7 emergency department and intensive care units, offering immediate intervention capabilities in critical infection cases.
What Symptoms Require a Visit to the Infectious Diseases Department?
Infections usually manifest themselves through various warning signals from the body. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should consult a specialist without delay:
- High fever and chills lasting more than three days
- Persistent cough, shortness of breath, and yellow-green sputum
- Burning or stinging during urination, frequent urination, and bloody urine
- Sudden redness, swelling, increased warmth, and pain anywhere on the body
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (signs of jaundice)
- Unexplained, extreme fatigue and weakness that do not improve with rest
- Non-healing or discharging foot ulcers in diabetic patients
- Discharge, sores, or warts in the genital area following suspicious sexual contact
Appointment and Examination Process
Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid risking your health and to prevent your complaints from becoming chronic. If you have the symptoms above or for your routine check-ups, it is recommended to complete your infectious diseases specialist appointment process without delay. To be examined at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, you can call our 24/7 call center at 0850 811 34 00 or book an appointment quickly via our website. With our warm and patient-oriented approach, we are by your side throughout the entire process from diagnosis to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is viral hepatitis contagious?
Yes, types of viral hepatitis like Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood, unprotected sexual contact, or from mother to baby. With regular screening, vaccination (for Hepatitis B), and early diagnosis, these diseases can be brought under control, and the risk of transmission can be minimized.
How is a diabetic foot infection treated?
This condition requires a multidisciplinary approach. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment is provided through appropriate antibiotic use, surgical removal of dead tissues (debridement), regular wound care, and strict blood sugar control. Early intervention is critical to prevent limb loss.
What are the harms of unnecessary antibiotic use?
Unnecessary and incorrect use of antibiotics causes bacteria to develop resistance to these drugs. This makes the treatment of future infections much more difficult, prolongs the recovery process, and can cause serious harm to the body's natural balance, especially the intestinal flora.
What should be done in case of persistent high fever?
Fever is the most basic indicator that the body is fighting an infection. In cases of high fever lasting more than three days, accompanied by chills, confusion, or severe weakness, you must consult an infectious diseases specialist immediately without wasting time with fever reducers.
