At the Doctor's
When you go to the doctor, there are many specific words and phrases that can help you describe your situation clearly. This vocabulary covers symptoms, medical questions, instructions, and more to help you communicate confidently during your visit.
Symptoms
Symptoms are the signs that tell you or the doctor that something might be wrong in your body. Being able to name your symptoms helps the doctor understand your problem and provide the right treatment.
| English | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| headache | I have a headache. | Pain in the head. |
| fever | She has a fever. | Body temperature is higher than normal. |
| cough | He has a cough. | A sudden, forceful hacking sound to clear the throat or lungs. |
| sore throat | My throat is sore. | Pain or irritation in the throat. |
| nausea | I feel nausea. | A feeling of wanting to vomit. |
| dizziness | She feels dizziness. | A sensation of spinning or losing balance. |
| fatigue | I'm experiencing fatigue. | Extreme tiredness or lack of energy. |
| rash | He has a rash on his arm. | An area of irritated or swollen skin. |
| congestion | I have nasal congestion. | Blockage in the nose making it hard to breathe. |
| chest pain | He complains of chest pain. | Discomfort or pain in the chest area. |
Which symptom is described as 'Pain or irritation in the throat'?
sore throat
'Sore throat' means pain or irritation in the throat. 'Cough' is a hacking sound, 'headache' is head pain, and 'rash' is irritated skin.
What is the term for 'An area of irritated or swollen skin'?
rash
'Rash' is an area where the skin is red, irritated, or swollen. 'Congestion' is nasal blockage, 'sore throat' is throat pain, and 'cough' is a hacking sound.
Medical Instructions
Doctors give instructions to help you recover. These can include how to take medicine, what activities to avoid, or when to come back for a follow-up.
| English | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| take medicine | Take medicine twice a day. | Instructions on medication use. |
| rest | You should rest for two days. | Stop activity to help your body heal. |
| drink water | Drink plenty of water. | Stay hydrated to aid recovery. |
| follow up | Please follow up in one week. | Return for another check-up. |
| avoid | Avoid spicy food. | Do not do or consume something. |
| apply cream | Apply cream to the rash. | Put medicine on the skin. |
| stay home | Stay home from work today. | Do not go out to prevent spreading illness. |
| use inhaler | Use the inhaler as prescribed. | A device to help breathe more easily. |
| take with food | Take the pills with food. | Eat something before taking medicine. |
| monitor symptoms | Monitor your symptoms closely. | Watch for changes or worsening. |
Common Questions
Doctors often ask questions to understand your health better. Here are some common questions you might hear, along with simple answers you can give.
| English | Example Question | Example Answer |
|---|---|---|
| How do you feel? | How do you feel today? | I feel tired and weak. |
| Where is the pain? | Where is the pain? | The pain is in my stomach. |
| How long? | How long have you had the symptoms? | It started two days ago. |
| Do you have ...? | Do you have a fever? | Yes, I have a slight fever. |
| Are you taking medicine? | Are you taking any medicine? | No, I am not. |
| Any allergies? | Do you have any allergies? | I am allergic to penicillin. |
| Have you traveled? | Have you traveled recently? | Yes, I returned last week. |
| Is the pain constant? | Is the pain constant or intermittent? | It comes and goes. |
| Do you smoke? | Do you smoke or drink alcohol? | No, I don’t. |
| Have you eaten today? | Have you eaten anything today? | No, I haven’t eaten yet. |
Examples of Medical Vocabulary in Use
Here are some sample conversations you might have with a doctor, showing how the vocabulary fits naturally into real situations.
| English | Doctor's Question | Patient's Response |
|---|---|---|
| Describing symptoms | What symptoms are you experiencing? | I have a headache and a sore throat. |
| Asking about duration | How long have you felt this way? | For about three days. |
| Explaining pain | Can you describe the pain? | It’s a sharp pain in my chest. |
| Discussing medication | Are you currently taking any medication? | Yes, I take aspirin daily. |
| Confirming instructions | Do you understand how to take the medicine? | Yes, twice a day after meals. |
| Reporting new symptoms | I started feeling nausea yesterday. | When did the nausea begin? |
| Talking about allergies | Do you have any allergies to medicine? | I’m allergic to sulfa drugs. |
| Scheduling follow-up | You should come back in one week. | Okay, I will make an appointment. |
| Advising lifestyle changes | Try to avoid strenuous exercise for now. | I will rest until I feel better. |
| Explaining diagnostics | We need to do some blood tests. | How long will the results take? |
This vocabulary will help you communicate your needs and understand the doctor’s advice, making your visit smoother and less stressful.
How should a patient respond to a follow-up instruction?
Okay, I will make an appointment.
The correct response shows understanding and willingness to follow the doctor’s advice.
If you take aspirin daily, how would you answer the question, "Are you currently taking any medication?"?
Yes, I take aspirin daily.
The correct answer clearly states the medication and frequency. Other options deny or give different information.
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- Example Sentence: I have a headache.
- Explanation: Pain in the head.
- English: headache
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
