At the doctor's and the pharmacy
Describing symptoms clearly — and understanding advice.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Travel, health and services
Symptoms
a sore throatpain when you swallowI've had a sore throat since Monday.
a runny / blocked nosea coldI've got a blocked nose.
a temperature / a feveryour body is hotShe's had a temperature all night.
dizzythe room seems to spinI feel dizzy when I stand up.
a rashred spots on the skinHe's got a rash on his arm.
it hurts when…the pain comes with an actionIt hurts when I breathe in.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: What four things does a doctor want to know?
- Your age, job, salary and address
- What, where, how long, and what makes it worse
- Only which medicine you want
Show the answer
B: What, where, how long, and what makes it worse — I've had a sharp pain in my lower back for about a week. It's worse in the morning.
Quick check: What does “dizzy” mean?
- The room seems to spin
- Your nose is blocked
- You have red spots on your skin
Show the answer
A: The room seems to spin — I feel dizzy when I stand up.
Quick check: Which sentence describes pain that comes with an action?
- “I've got a blocked nose.”
- “She's had a temperature all night.”
- “It hurts when I breathe in.”
Show the answer
C: “It hurts when I breathe in.” — It hurts when… tells the doctor what makes it worse.
Practise: health and symptoms
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now