B2English

Describing Symptoms

Use these phrases when you need to explain your symptoms to a doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Key Phrases

Voice
Describing the pain · 2 ways to say it

My throat is absolutely killing me, and it hurts to swallow.

casual

Common informal idiom for severe pain.

I have this constant, dull ache in my lower back.

neutral

Use 'dull ache' for continuous, less intense pain.

Stating duration · 2 ways to say it

It's been bothering me for like three or four days now.

casual

Using 'like' as a filler is very common in spoken American English.

I've been experiencing these symptoms since last weekend.

neutral
Reporting fever and exhaustion · 2 ways to say it

I feel totally wiped out, and I'm pretty sure I'm running a fever.

casual

'Wiped out' means extremely tired; 'running a fever' is the natural collocation.

I have a high temperature and I'm feeling quite nauseous.

neutral
Seeking urgent care · 2 ways to say it

If this fever doesn't break, I'm gonna head to the ER.

casual

US — 'ER' stands for Emergency Room.

If my symptoms don't improve, I should probably go to A&E.

neutral

UK — 'A&E' stands for Accident and Emergency.

Asking for recommendations · 2 ways to say it

Do you have anything strong that'll knock this cold out?

casual

'Knock out' implies curing it quickly and completely.

What would you recommend for a really stubborn cough?

neutral
Stating allergies · 2 ways to say it

Just so you know, I'm allergic to penicillin.

casual

I should probably mention that I have a severe allergy to aspirin.

polite

Hedging with 'should probably mention' softens the statement while keeping it serious.

Current medication · 2 ways to say it

I've just been taking over-the-counter stuff to manage the pain.

casual

'Stuff' is a very common spoken substitute for 'medicine' or 'drugs'.

I'm currently on prescription medication for my blood pressure.

neutral
Reporting the doctor's advice · 2 ways to say it

The doctor said it's just a viral infection, so I need to wait it out.

casual

'Wait it out' means letting the illness run its natural course.

I was prescribed a short course of antibiotics to clear it up.

polite

Practice Dialogue

Patient
Hi there. Do you have a minute? I'm looking for something for a really stubborn cough.
Pharmacist
Sure, I can help with that. How long has it been bothering you?
Patient
Well, it started like three days ago, and my throat is absolutely killing me now.
Pharmacist
Right. Are you experiencing any other symptoms? A fever or anything?
Patient
I mean, I feel totally wiped out, but I don't think I'm running a fever.
Pharmacist
Okay, so it's mostly the cough and sore throat. Are you on any prescription medication right now?
Patient
No, I've just been taking some over-the-counter stuff for the pain, sort of to take the edge off.
Pharmacist
Got it. I'd recommend this cough syrup here. It's pretty strong and should help you sleep.
Patient
Perfect. Oh, I should probably mention that I'm allergic to penicillin, just in case.
Pharmacist
That's completely fine, there's no penicillin in this. If it doesn't clear up by Monday, you should definitely see a doctor.
Patient
Sounds good, I'll do that. Thanks for the help.

More Health & Pharmacy (B2)

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