Tuberculosis (TB) is still very common in Pakistan. Islamabad Respiratory Clinic (IRC) in G-11 Markaz is a specialized center for TB diagnosis with GeneXpert, Digital X-ray, Sputum Culture and DOTS treatment under supervision of Pulmonologist in Islamabad.
Early diagnosis saves lungs and prevents spread to family. If you have cough more than 2 weeks with evening fever, get tested early.
TB Ki Alamat Kya Hain? (TB Symptoms)
- 2 haftay se zyada khansi (Cough more than 2 weeks) - sab se common alamat
- Sham ko bukhar (Evening low-grade fever 99-100°F)
- Wazan ka kam hona (Unexplained weight loss, bhok kam lagna)
- Raaton ko pasina ana (Night sweats - kapray geele ho jana)
- Balagham me khoon ana (Hemoptysis)
- Seene me dard, thakan, kamzori
Note: TB sirf lungs me nahi, lymph nodes, haddi aur pait me bhi ho sakti hai. Har jagah ki alamat mukhtalif hai.
TB Test in Islamabad - GeneXpert, X-ray, Sputum Culture
At IRC G-11 we offer complete workup:
- Digital Chest X-ray: First screening - shows infiltration, cavity
- Sputum GeneXpert MTB/RIF: Gold standard, WHO recommended. Result in 2 hours, also tells Rifampicin resistance (MDR-TB)
- Sputum AFB Culture: Confirms diagnosis when GeneXpert negative
- Bronchoscopy with BAL GeneXpert: When sputum not coming or X-ray doubtful - we have bronchoscopy facility
- Blood tests - CBC, ESR, HIV screening before treatment
Tip: Subah ke balgham ka sample sab se behtar hota hai. 2 samples - one spot, one morning.
TB Ka Ilaj Kitna Arsa Chalta Hai? DOTS Treatment
Drug-sensitive TB: 6 months (2 months intensive 4 drugs + 4 months 2 drugs). Drug-resistant TB (MDR): 9-12 months with second-line drugs.
At IRC, we follow National TB Program (NTP) DOTS protocol. It is very important to complete full course, otherwise TB becomes resistant and spreads. We provide free counseling, monthly weight, liver function check and follow-up for full 6 months.
Is TB Contagious? Ehtiyat Kya Karni Chahiye?
Yes, pulmonary TB spreads through air when patient coughs/sneezes. Precautions:
- Patient should wear surgical mask for first 2-3 weeks of treatment
- Keep room ventilated, sunlight ana chahiye
- Family members should get screened - chest X-ray and symptoms check
- Bachon ko BCG vaccine lagwana zaroori hai
- Balgham ko covered dustbin me phenkna, farsh par na thookna
TB Treatment Cost in Islamabad
GeneXpert test cost at IRC is market competitive. DOTS medicines are available through NTP. Private treatment cost depends on drug resistance. Consult for latest cost - we keep it affordable for G-11 community.
Related Guides at IRC Islamabad
→ Asthma Management Islamabad - 5 Point Check
→ Why Inhalers Are Gold-Standard for Asthma
→ Why Asthma Symptoms Increase in Islamabad - Pollen & Dust
→ Bronchoscopy & Pleuroscopy in G-11 Markaz
When to Visit Pulmonologist?
If you have chronic cough, contact history with TB patient, diabetes with weight loss, or HIV - visit early. Early GeneXpert prevents lung damage.