Introduction to medical symptoms

Describing your symptoms clearly is very important when you need medical help. This can be quite difficult for people who are learning English as a second language (ESL) because they may not know a lot of medical words and phrases. If you don’t describe your symptoms clearly, you might not receive the help that you need. This article will help you understand some common symptoms and how to explain them in simple English.

Common medical symptoms

fever – when your body temperature is higher than normal

I feel feverish.

cough – when you release air from your lungs with a sudden sharp sound

I have a cough.

I have a headache.

I feel nauseous.

I’m always tired.

I feel dizzy.

I have severe pain in my back.

I’m having trouble breathing.

There’s a sharp pain in my chest.

I have a stomachache.

I have diarrhea.

I’m constipated.

I have a sore throat.

I have a runny nose.

I’ve lost my appetite.

I’ve been losing weight unexpectedly.

I have a rash.

The duration and frequency of symptoms

When discussing medical symptoms, it’s also important to mention how long you’ve been experiencing them and how often they occur. Here are some phrases that can help:

It happens every time when…

Conclusion

Learning to discuss medical symptoms in English can seem difficult at first, but with practice and a little patience, it becomes easier. Memorize the basic symptoms to be able to communicate with your doctor abroad!

If you’re experiencing constant symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Check out our article on Making a medical appointment in English to learn how to schedule a visit easily and effectively.