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🗓️ Nov 2026 🏷️ English for Daily Life · Medical English 🕒 8 min read
Important: This lesson is for English communication practice. Follow the advice and instructions of a qualified medical professional for your care and medication.
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| Describing symptoms | → | I have a headache and a sore throat. |
| Saying when it started | → | It started three days ago. |
| Describing pain | → | The pain is sharp and comes and goes. |
| Asking about medicine | → | Do I need a prescription? |
| Confirming instructions | → | How often should I take this? |
| Asking about effects | → | Are there any side effects? |
| Requesting a document | → | Could you give me a note for work, please? |
🗣️ Example Conversation
🧑⚕️ Doctor: What brings you in today?
👩 Patient: I have a headache, a sore throat, and a cough.
🧑⚕️ Doctor: When did the symptoms start?
👩 Patient: They started about three days ago.
🧑⚕️ Doctor: Have you had a fever?
👩 Patient: Yes, but it was mild.
🧑⚕️ Doctor: I’m going to examine your throat and listen to your breathing.
👩 Patient: Okay. Do I need any medicine?
🧑⚕️ Doctor: I’ll explain the treatment after the examination.
🤒 Describing Your Symptoms
“I have a fever.”
“I feel dizzy.”
“I’ve been coughing.”
“My stomach hurts.”
“I feel very tired.”
“I’m having trouble sleeping.”
“The pain gets worse when I move.”
Try to explain the main symptom first, then say when it started, where you feel it, and whether it is getting better or worse.
⏱️ Pain, Timing, and Severity
“It started yesterday morning.”
“It has been getting worse.”
“The pain is constant.”
“The pain comes and goes.”
“It feels sharp.”
“It feels like pressure.”
“The pain is about six out of ten.”
💊 Treatment and Medicine Questions
“What is this medicine for?”
“How often should I take it?”
“Should I take it with food?”
“How many days should I take it?”
“Are there any side effects?”
“Can I take this with my other medication?”
“What should I do if I miss a dose?”
Before leaving, make sure you understand the name of the medicine, the amount, how often to take it, and any instructions given by the medical professional.
📋 Tests, Results, and Follow-Up
“Do I need any tests?”
“When will the results be ready?”
“How will I receive the results?”
“Do I need another appointment?”
“When should I come back?”
“What should I do if the symptoms get worse?”
“Could you write the instructions down, please?”
👂 If You Do Not Understand
“Could you say that again more slowly?”
“Could you explain that in a simpler way?”
“Could you write that down for me?”
“Do you mean I should take this twice a day?”
“Can I repeat the instructions to make sure I understand?”
🔧 Problem → Need → Request
Problem: You do not understand how often to take the medicine.
Need: You need the instructions repeated clearly.
Request: “Could you explain again how often I should take this medicine?”
Quick Tip ✅
Prepare three facts before your appointment:
Your main symptom, when it started, and any medicine or allergies the medical professional should know about.
