What's Wrong? Essential English Vocabulary for Talking About Symptoms

 

(Symptoms)

Feeling under the weather is never pleasant, but being able to clearly communicate your symptoms in English is crucial, whether you're talking to a doctor, a pharmacist, or even a friend. Knowing the right vocabulary will help you get the care and understanding you need. So, if you've ever felt unsure about how to describe that nagging cough or persistent headache, this guide is for you! Let's explore the essential English words and phrases for talking about your symptoms.

Describing Common Symptoms:

Here's a breakdown of vocabulary for various ailments:

  • General Feelings:
    • I feel sick.
    • I feel unwell.
    • I don't feel good.
    • I'm not feeling myself.
    • I feel terrible.
    • I feel exhausted/tired/fatigued.
    • I feel weak.
  • Pain:
    • I have a headache.
    • I have a stomachache.
    • I have a backache.
    • I have a toothache.
    • My [body part] hurts.
    • It's a sharp pain.
    • It's a dull ache.
    • It's a throbbing pain.
    • It's a constant pain.
    • It comes and goes.
  • Fever and Temperature:
    • I have a fever.
    • I feel hot/chilly.
    • I have a temperature of [number] degrees.
  • Cough and Throat:
    • I have a cough. (Dry cough, wet cough)
    • I have a sore throat.
    • My throat feels scratchy.
    • I'm coughing up [phlegm/mucus].
  • Nose and Sinuses:
    • I have a runny nose.
    • My nose is stuffy/blocked.
    • I'm sneezing a lot.
    • I have a sinus headache.
  • Stomach and Digestion:
    • I feel nauseous.
    • I feel like I'm going to be sick/throw up/vomit.
    • I have diarrhea.
    • I feel bloated.
    • I have indigestion.
  • Other Symptoms:
    • I feel dizzy.
    • I feel lightheaded.
    • I have a rash.
    • My [body part] is swollen.
    • I'm having trouble breathing.
    • I feel itchy.

Talking About the Duration and Severity:

It's important to describe how long you've been feeling unwell and how bad it is:

  • Duration:
    • I've been feeling like this for [time period]. (A few days, a week, etc.)
    • It started [when]. (Yesterday, this morning, etc.)
    • It's been getting worse/better.
    • It's been on and off.
  • Severity:
    • It's not too bad.
    • It's quite bad.
    • It's really severe.
    • It's a mild [symptom].
    • It's a strong [symptom].

Seeking Help and Explaining to Others:

Here are some phrases you might use when talking to someone about your symptoms:

  • "I think I'm getting sick."
  • "I don't feel well, I might need to see a doctor."
  • "I'm staying home from work/school because I'm not feeling up to it."
  • "Could you get me some [medicine/tea]?"

Example Conversations:

  • With a friend:
    • You: "I'm not feeling so great today. I have a terrible headache and I feel really tired."
    • Friend: "Oh no, that sounds awful. How long have you been feeling like that?"
    • You: "Since yesterday evening."
  • With a doctor:
    • Doctor: "What brings you in today?"
    • You: "I've had a persistent cough for about a week, and I've also been feeling quite fatigued."
    • Doctor: "Is it a dry or wet cough?"
    • You: "It's a bit of both, and I'm coughing up some mucus."

Closing:

Being able to articulate your symptoms clearly in English is a vital skill for your health and well-being. By learning this vocabulary and practicing these phrases, you'll be better prepared to communicate your needs and seek appropriate help when you're feeling unwell. Remember to be clear and specific when describing how you feel. We hope you stay healthy, but if you ever need to talk about feeling sick, you'll now have the words to do so with confidence! What are some other symptoms you've learned in English? Share them in the comments below!


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