Illnesses are conditions that affect your body or mind and make you feel unwell. This page covers common English words for illnesses, including those caused by infections, chronic conditions, and everyday ailments. You’ll also find example sentences to show you how these words are used in context.

Infectious Illnesses

Infectious illnesses are caused by germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They can spread from person to person through coughing, touching, or other contact.
English IllnessEnglish ExampleSpanish TranslationSpanish ExampleSpanish Example Translation
ColdI have a cold and a runny nose.ResfriadoTengo un resfriado y me gotea la nariz.I have a cold and my nose is running.
FluThe flu can cause fever and body aches.GripeLa gripe puede causar fiebre y dolores corporales.The flu can cause fever and body aches.
Strep throatStrep throat makes it painful to swallow.Faringitis estreptocócicaLa faringitis estreptocócica hace que tragar sea doloroso.Strep throat makes swallowing painful.
ChickenpoxChickenpox causes itchy red spots on the skin.VaricelaLa varicela causa manchas rojas y picazón en la piel.Chickenpox causes red, itchy spots on the skin.
COVID-COVID-19 symptoms include cough and loss of taste.COVID-Los síntomas de COVID-19 incluyen tos y pérdida del gusto.COVID-19 symptoms include cough and loss of taste.

Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that may require ongoing treatment or management.
English IllnessEnglish ExampleSpanish TranslationSpanish ExampleSpanish Example Translation
DiabetesDiabetes affects how your body uses sugar.DiabetesLa diabetes afecta cómo tu cuerpo usa el azúcar.Diabetes affects how your body uses sugar.
AsthmaAsthma can make it hard to breathe during an attack.AsmaEl asma puede dificultar la respiración durante un ataque.Asthma can make breathing difficult during an attack.
ArthritisArthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints.ArtritisLa artritis causa dolor y rigidez en las articulaciones.Arthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
HypertensionHypertension means high blood pressure.HipertensiónLa hipertensión significa presión arterial alta.Hypertension means high blood pressure.
MigraineA migraine is a severe headache that may cause nausea.MigrañaLa migraña es un dolor de cabeza fuerte que puede causar náuseas.A migraine is a severe headache that can cause nausea.

Common Ailments

These are everyday illnesses and conditions that most people experience at some point.
English IllnessEnglish ExampleSpanish TranslationSpanish ExampleSpanish Example Translation
HeadacheI have a headache from staring at the screen too long.Dolor de cabezaTengo dolor de cabeza de mirar la pantalla mucho tiempo.I have a headache from looking at the screen too long.
StomachacheShe stayed home because of a stomachache.Dolor de estómagoElla se quedó en casa por un dolor de estómago.She stayed home because of a stomachache.
Sore throatA sore throat can make talking uncomfortable.Dolor de gargantaEl dolor de garganta puede dificultar hablar.A sore throat can make talking difficult.
FeverA fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection.FiebreLa fiebre es una señal de que el cuerpo combate una infección.Fever means your body is fighting an infection.
AllergiesAllergies can cause sneezing and itchy eyes.AlergiasLas alergias pueden causar estornudos y picazón en los ojos.Allergies can cause sneezing and itchy eyes.

Injuries and Other Conditions

These are not illnesses but are important health terms for describing accidents and other medical situations.
English IllnessEnglish ExampleSpanish TranslationSpanish ExampleSpanish Example Translation
FractureHe has a wrist fracture from falling off his bike.FracturaTiene una fractura de muñeca por caerse de la bici.He has a wrist fracture from falling off his bike.
BurnBe careful with that pan; I got a burn yesterday.QuemaduraTen cuidado con esa sartén; ayer me quemé.Be careful with that pan; I got a burn yesterday.
ConcussionAfter the fall, she was treated for a mild concussion.Conmoción cerebralLuego de la caída, la trataron por una conmoción cerebral leve.After the fall, she was treated for a mild concussion.
SprainI sprained my ankle playing basketball.EsguinceMe hice un esguince en el tobillo jugando baloncesto.I sprained my ankle playing basketball.
RashThe baby has a rash on his chest.ErupciónEl bebé tiene una erupción en el pecho.The baby has a rash on his chest.

Mental Health

Mental health conditions affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. They are just as important as physical illnesses.
English IllnessEnglish ExampleSpanish TranslationSpanish ExampleSpanish Example Translation
AnxietyShe feels anxiety before important exams.AnsiedadElla siente ansiedad antes de exámenes importantes.She feels anxiety before important exams.
DepressionDepression can cause sadness and loss of interest in activities.DepresiónLa depresión puede causar tristeza y pérdida de interés.Depression can cause sadness and loss of interest.
InsomniaInsomnia makes it hard to fall asleep at night.InsomnioEl insomnio dificulta dormir por la noche.Insomnia makes it hard to sleep at night.
Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder involves mood swings between highs and lows.Trastorno bipolarEl trastorno bipolar implica cambios de humor entre euforia y tristeza.Bipolar disorder involves mood swings between highs and lows.
PTSDPTSD can occur after a traumatic event.Trastorno de estrés postraumáticoEl trastorno de estrés postraumático puede ocurrir tras un evento traumático.PTSD can occur after a traumatic event.

Summary

This page has introduced you to common English names for illnesses, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, everyday ailments, injuries, and mental health terms. Use these words to describe symptoms, ask for help, and talk about health in English.

Fill in the blank: Be careful with that pan; I got a ____ yesterday.


burn

A burn is an injury caused by heat, often from hot objects like pans.

Fill in the blank: ____ means high blood pressure.


Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure; hypotension means low blood pressure.

Fill in the blank: She feels ____ before important exams.


anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness, especially in stressful situations.

Flashcards (1 of 25)

    • English Illness: Cold
    • English Example: I have a cold and a runny nose.

    Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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