B1English

Describing Symptoms

Use these phrases when you are feeling sick and need to explain your symptoms to a doctor or a pharmacist.

Key Phrases

Voice
Stating general illness · 2 ways to say it

I'm not feeling very well today, so I decided to come to the pharmacy.

polite

A polite and clear way to begin explaining your situation to staff.

I feel really sick right now, and I can't go to work.

casual

In US English, 'sick' means unwell; in UK English, it often means you need to vomit.

Describing pain · 2 ways to say it

I have a sharp pain in my lower back that won't go away.

neutral

Use 'sharp pain' for sudden, strong pain, and 'dull ache' for continuous, mild pain.

My head is completely killing me, and I need something for the pain.

casual

The idiom 'killing me' is very commonly used to describe severe pain.

Reporting a fever · 2 ways to say it

I feel hot all over, and I think I have a high fever.

neutral

US English. Use this when your body temperature is higher than normal.

I feel hot all over, and I think I've got a high temperature.

neutral

UK English. This is the British equivalent of having a fever.

Stating duration · 2 ways to say it

I have had this terrible cough for about a week, and it's getting worse.

neutral

Uses the present perfect to describe an illness that started in the past and continues.

My symptoms just started out of nowhere a couple of days ago.

casual

The phrase 'out of nowhere' is a natural way to say something happened suddenly.

Stating allergies · 2 ways to say it

Please note that I am highly allergic to penicillin and similar antibiotics.

polite

Important to state clearly so the doctor or pharmacist can find safe alternatives.

I can't take ibuprofen for the pain because I'm allergic to it.

neutral
Asking for medication · 2 ways to say it

Do you have anything strong that can help me with a really bad cold?

casual

A common way to ask a pharmacist for over-the-counter medicine.

Could you please recommend some medicine to help with a terrible stomachache?

polite
Asking about side effects

Will taking this new medication make me feel too sleepy during the day?

neutral

Good to ask if you need to drive or work after taking the medicine.

Giving medical advice · 2 ways to say it

You should go home, get plenty of rest, and drink a lot of water.

neutral

Standard advice a doctor or pharmacist will give for a minor illness.

If your symptoms get worse by tomorrow, you will need to visit the hospital.

polite

Uses the first conditional to explain what to do if the illness progresses.

Practice Dialogue

Patient
Hi. I'm not feeling very well today. Do you have anything strong for a really bad cold?
Pharmacist
I can certainly help you with that. What exactly are your symptoms right now?
Patient
Well, my head is completely killing me, and my throat really hurts when I swallow.
Pharmacist
Right. And how long have you felt like this?
Patient
My symptoms just started out of nowhere a couple of days ago. I think I have a fever, too.
Pharmacist
Okay. Are you allergic to any common medications, like ibuprofen or penicillin?
Patient
No, I'm not. But will taking the medication make me feel too sleepy during the day?
Pharmacist
These pills won't. You should take two of them every morning with your breakfast.
Patient
Great, I will take a box of those. Thanks for your help.
Pharmacist
You're welcome. If your symptoms get worse by tomorrow, you will need to see a doctor.

More Health & Pharmacy (B1)

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