Practical English for Physical Health Discussions
I have…” (followed by the symptom):
“I have a headache.” “I have a sore throat.”
“I’m feeling tired.” “I’m feeling nauseous.”
“I’ve got a cough.” “I’ve got a rash.”
“It hurts in my chest.” “It hurts in my back.”
“I’m experiencing dizziness.” “I’m experiencing shortness of breath.”
To describe the severity and characteristics of your symptoms, use these phrases:
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Severity:
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Mild:
“It’s a mild headache.”
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Moderate:
“The pain is moderate.”
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Severe:
“The pain is severe.”
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Excruciating:
“The pain is excruciating.”
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Mild:
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Character:
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Sharp:
“I have a sharp pain.”
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Dull:
“It’s a dull ache.”
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Throbbing:
“I have a throbbing headache.”
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Burning:
“I feel a burning sensation.”
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Stabbing:
“I have a stabbing pain.”
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Sharp:
To providefurther details, describe the duration, frequency, and triggers:
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Duration: “It’s been going on for…”
“It’s been going on for three days.”
“It lasts…”
“It lasts about an hour.”
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Frequency: “It happens…”
“It happens frequently.”
“It comes and goes.” -
Triggers: “It started after…”
“It started after I ate.”
“It gets worse when…”
“It gets worse when I exercise.”
2. Talking About Medical History
Providing a complete medical history is crucial. Use these phrases:
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“I have a history of…”
“I have a history ofhigh blood pressure.”
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“I am allergic to…”
“I am allergic to penicillin.”
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“I’m currently taking…”
“I’m currently taking medication for diabetes.”
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“I had surgery for…”
“I had surgery for a broken arm.”
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“I have been diagnosed with…”
“I have been diagnosed with arthritis.”
3. Discussing Lifestyle and Diet
Healthcare professionals often inquire about your lifestyle and diet. Use these phrases:
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“I eat a…” (followed by a description):
“I eat a healthy diet.” “I eat a balanced diet.”
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“I try to avoid…”
“I try to avoid sugary drinks.”
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“I exercise…” (followed by how often):
“I exercise regularly.” “I exercise three times a week.”
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“I am a…” (smoker/non-smoker):
“I am a smoker.” “I am a non-smoker.”
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“I drink…” (followed by the amount of alcohol):
“I drink alcohol in moderation.” “I rarely drink alcohol.”
4. Asking Questions and Seeking Clarification
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Here are some useful phrases:
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“Could you explain…?”
“Could you explain the diagnosis?”
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“I don’t understand…”
“I don’t understand the side effects.”
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“What does this mean?”
“What does this mean for my treatment?”
- “What are the possible side effects?”
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“Do Ineed to…?”
“Do I need to take any medication?”
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“How often should I…?”
“How often should I take this medicine?”
5. Key Vocabulary
- Symptoms: The physical or mental features that indicate a disease or condition.
- Diagnosis: The identification of a disease or condition.
- Treatment: Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
- Medication: A substance used for medical treatment.
- Side effects: Any effect of a medicine other than the one intended.
- Prescription: An instruction written by a doctor that authorizes someone to get medicine.
- Appointment: A time you have arrangedto meet with someone.
- Pain: Physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury.
- Dizziness: A feeling of being unsteady or about to fall.
- Swelling: An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body.
6. Examples of Conversations
Patient: “Good morning, doctor. I’m feeling unwell.”
Doctor: “Good morning. What seems to be the problem?”
Patient: “I have a headache and a sore throat. It hurts to swallow. I’ve also got a cough.”
Doctor: “How long have you had these symptoms?”
Patient: “It started yesterday. I think it might be a cold.”
Doctor: “Do you have any allergies?”
Patient: “Yes, I am allergic to peanuts.”
Doctor: “Are you currently taking any medications?”
Patient: “Yes, I’m taking a multivitamin and a blood pressure medication.”
By using these phrases and vocabulary, you can effectively communicate your health concerns and receive the best possible care. Practice these phrases, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Good luck!