It is best to expand your vocabulary, consolidate grammatical structures and hone your pronunciation through live communication, which cannot be replaced by anything. At the same time, composing and learning your own English dialogues is a rewarding and effective activity. Such English dialogues must be acted out in pairs, practice two-way translation, supplemented, expanded and memorized. In this article you will find English dialogues with audio that you can listen to and read. Download dialogues at English language you can after each dialogue. Audio dialogues in English help you hear speech and pronunciation of words, which will later help you understand in a real conversation English sentences of these English dialogues are much easier and faster.
Indeed, in such an important health situation, like a doctor’s, for example, the right word can come out at the most inopportune moment, which can lead to the most irreversible consequences. Today we will look at short English dialogues on the topic: “At the doctor’s.” Going on a business trip or vacation to English speaking country I recommend learning, understanding - learning the symptoms and manifestations of those that you may have to talk about, 
and, of course, learn 2-3 useful dialogues in English, having previously modified them to suit yourself, to suit possible situations, taking into account the individual characteristics of your body. Of course, to cover all the useful expressions on this topic in a few English dialogues very difficult, so you will find additional ones in the next article.
Dialogues in English. At the doctor's 1
— What’s the matter with you? - Tell me exactly where your pain is concentrated?
— I have a splitting headache and my throat is sore. - I have a strong headache and my throat hurts.
- Let me examine you and take your temperature. - Allow me to examine you and take your temperature.
- Sure. - Certainly.
- Now just unfasten your coat, waistcoat and shirt and I’ll listen to your heart and chest. - Now unbutton your jacket, vest and shirt, and I will listen to your heart and chest.
— What is your diagnosis [ˌdaɪəg’nəusɪs]? Is it serious? — What is your diagnosis? This is serious?
— I advise you, first of all, to stop worrying. Take a long rest, have regular meals. - First of all, I advise you to calm down. Get plenty of rest and eat regularly
— What diet should I follow? — What diet should you follow?
— Keep to a diet of salad and fruit. Take one table spoonful of this medicine two times a day before meals. — Eat more salads and fruits. Take this medicine one tablespoon twice daily before meals.
- Well, thank you, doctor! - Thank you Doctor!
— Be sure to follow my directions. - Be sure to follow my instructions.
Dialogues in English. At the doctor's 2
—What’s troubling you? - Tell me exactly where your pain is concentrated?
— I’ve got a terrible headache. Have you any tablets for a headache? - I have a terrible headache. Do you have any headache pills?
- How long have you had it? - For a long time?
— Only about two or three hours. - About 2-3 hours.
— Are you allergic to any medications? — Are you allergic to any medications?
— Yes, I am allergic to antibiotics. — Yes, I am allergic to antibiotics.
—Then try this medicine. You'll recover soon. “Then try this medicine.” You will get better soon.
Listen to the dialogue in English:
Dialogues in English. At the doctor's 3
— What are your complaints? -What are you complaining about?
— I’ve caught a cold, I’ve got a sore throat and I am constantly coughing and sneezing. And I have a running nose. — I have a cold, my throat hurts and I am constantly coughing and sneezing. I have a runny nose.
Types of educational and professional dialogues
Dialogue in the educational and professional sphere (Greek Διάλογος (“conversation”) is specific form oral organization of communication, communication, exchange of statements (replicas). In the process of dispute, discussion, discussion, dispute in a professional environment, it is used dialogue-discussion. stimulus cue.
Reply– this is a response-reaction, an action.
Depending on the goals that speakers set for themselves in speech communication, Various types dialogical constructions. Communication goals led to the emergence of the following functional types of dialogues: dialogue-communication of information, dialogue-request for information, dialogue-inducement, dialogue-questioning. These functional types of dialogue require the manifestation of general communication skills related to the analysis and assessment of personal educational and speech situations, as well as the ability to use both verbal and nonverbal means of communication. Each type of dialogue requires the presence of private communication skills:
- dialogue-request for information:
the ability to pose and ask questions; the ability to correctly intonate a statement; the ability to appropriately use a variety of cues - stimuli; the ability to correctly use pauses in speech; ability to request additional information. For example : “Dialogue between a doctor and a patient when filling out the passport part of the title page of the patient’s medical record”
;
- dialogue message information:
the ability to construct an informatively significant text; the ability to think logically and correctly implement your plan at the pronunciation level; the ability to attract and maintain attention, and correctly address the interlocutor. For example: “Dialogue between a doctor and a patient about a presumptive diagnosis”
;
- dialogue-motivation:
the ability to correctly formulate and pronounce a request or order in an appropriate tone; the ability to appropriately use incentive sentences in a replica-stimulus; ability to clarify a task. For example: « Dialogue of the chief physician, head of the department with subordinates (doctors, paramedical and junior medical staff)»
;
- dialogue-question:
the ability to self-determinate regarding the information received; the ability to formulate problematic questions that support dialogue; the ability to build a communicatively appropriate strategy and tactics of speech behavior. For example: " Dialogues of specialists in the field of medicine in the process of argument, discussion, discussion, debate on current problems in professional activity.”
Task 2. Demonstrate the dialogue with faces. Translate into Kazakh language. Determine the type of dialogue. Describe him.
Dialogue "At the doctor's"
· Patient: Good morning, doctor.
· Doctor: Good morning. How are you feeling today?
· Patient: I feel better today, but still not well. I don't sleep well and have no appetite.
· Doctor: I think this is a slight exhaustion of the body. Did you take your temperature today?
· Patient: Yes, my temperature is normal.
· Doctor: Go to that couch over there, please. I will listen to your chest and measure your blood pressure. Everything is okay. Fortunately for you, there are no serious problems with your health. You need to get a good rest. Can you take a vacation now?
· Patient: In two weeks I’m going to the sea.
· Patient: Thank you very much, doctor. I will do so.
· Doctor: Goodbye.
· Patient: Goodbye.
Dialogue (At the doctor's)
· Patient: Good morning, doctor.
· Doctor: Good morning. How do you feel today?
· Patient: I feel better today, but I am still of color. I`m sleeping badly and I have no appetite.
· Doctor: A little run-down, I think. Have you checked your temperature today?
· Patient: Yes, my temperature is quite normal.
· Doctor: Get to that couch please. I will sound your chest and take your blood pressure. It`s quite normal. Luckily for you there is nothing seriously wrong with your health. You should have a good rest. Can you go on holiday now?
· Patient: I`m going to the sea in two weeks.
· Doctor: That is just what I wanted to recommend.
· Patient: Thank you very much, doctor. I will do it.
· Doctor: Good-bye.
· Patient: Good-bye
Task 3. Check out the information. Write down the definition of stimulus cue and response cue. What types of dialogues are determined by the nature of the reactions?
Stimulus cues. Reply responses.
A replica that opens a dialogic unity and determines the content and form of the utterance that follows is called stimulus cue. It represents an independent speech act: 1) a question that requires an answer. For example: " What are you complaining about? ;
2) motivation to action For example: “ Strip to the waist, please. I'll examine you" ; 3) a statement that initiates a topic, needs clarification or explanation, expressive (a speech act that expresses the speaker’s emotions). For example: " What illnesses did you have before this disease?”
The remark that initiates the conversation, defines its topic and purpose, is constructed relatively freely. This replica is called st imul, as it encourages the interlocutor to respond or act.
Reply- response cue, action in its lexical composition and syntactic structure depends on the stimulus cue. Dialogue usually consists of alternating stimulus cues and reaction cues.
Great importance is attached to the nature of reactions. In this regard, replicas of contradictions, agreements, additions, replicas accompanying the topic, transferring the topic to another plane are highlighted. Based on the nature of the reaction, the corresponding types of dialogues (D) are determined: D.-contradiction, D.-dispute, D.-explanation), D.-message, D.-discussion, D.-conversation).
Task 3: Instead of dots, insert stimulus cues and answer cues that are appropriate in meaning. What kind of lines did you use?
| A. At a doctor’s appointment |
| Patient: …………………………? |
| Nurse: Not accepting now. You can see another doctor |
| P: ………………………………..? |
| M: Room 20. Second floor to the right. |
| P: ………………………………………? |
| P second: No, there are just two of us to the doctor. |
| P: …………………………………………? |
| P second: Oh, yes, he is quite an experienced doctor, I must tell you. He examines patients carefully. I was... Oh, here the patient comes out. Now it's my turn. Sorry. |
| B. Diagnostic examination room |
| Patient: Good morning, doctor. |
| Doctor: ………………………….? |
| P: I am terribly ill, doctor. All night my stomach hurt unbearably. |
| D:……………………………? |
| P: Well, by morning the pain subsided a little and I thought that I could come myself. |
| D:……………………………..? |
| P: Here, doctor. |
| D:………………………………….. |
| D: On which side did you say there was pain? |
| P:………………………………… |
| D: Is there tension here? |
| P:……………………………. |
| D: You need to get tested. I'll write you directions. |
| P: ………………………………… |
| Q. Examination of the patient Doctor: What did you eat recently? |
| P:…………………………………. |
| D: Does this happen to you often? |
| P:…………………………………. |
| D: I'll check your heart pressure and blood pressure |
| P: ………………………………….. |
| D: Your blood pressure is fine. |
| P: …………………………………? |
| D: Put it under your armpit. Slight temperature. You can get dressed. Here's a referral for tests. Goodbye. P:………………………………………. |
Task 4. Work in micro groups. Conduct a question-and-answer conversation on the content of the texts. Make a thesis plan. Describe the illustrations. Make up a situational dialogue.
Show it in person. Determine the type of dialogic speech.
Patients with pathology of the circulatory system
A. Patients with circulatory disorders present many different complaints. These complaints can occur in various other diseases. In the initial stages, patients may have nothing to complain about. Nevertheless, knowledge of the main symptoms helps to recognize the pathology of the circulatory system, since if the patient makes certain complaints, then during the future examination special attention will be focused on identifying changes in the blood circulation.
With diseases of the circulatory system, a number of characteristic symptoms are observed: interruptions, pain in the heart, shortness of breath, suffocation, swelling, cyanosis, etc.
HEARTBEAT
A healthy person does not feel his heartbeat at rest or when physical activity. But with great physical exertion, even a healthy person feels a beating (for example, after an intense run): with strong excitement, along with a rapid heartbeat, strong beats are felt; At high temperatures, you can feel your heartbeat. In patients with heart disease, palpitations may occur and be felt with slight exertion and even at rest. The slightest excitement or eating can also lead to palpitations. The reason for the occurrence of palpitations in heart disease is a decrease in the contractile function of the heart, when the heart in one contraction throws a smaller amount of blood into the aorta than normal. To prevent the blood supply to organs and tissues from suffering, the heart is forced to contract more often, therefore the heartbeat is compensatory ( adaptive) mechanism. However, working in this mode is unfavorable, since when the heart beats, the relaxation phase of the heart (diastole) is shortened, during which favorable biochemical processes occur in the heart muscle aimed at restoring the muscle’s performance. Rapid heartbeat is called tachycardia. 
B.INTERRUPTIONS
Feeling of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) in the form of a feeling of freezing, stopping, a short strong shock, etc. are called interruptions. Interruptions can be isolated or long-term (or permanent). Most often, interruptions are combined with rapid heartbeat - tachycardia, but can often be observed against the background of a rare heart rhythm. The causes of interruptions are heart rhythm disturbances: extrasystoles(extraordinary heart contractions), atrial fibrillation(irrhythmic functioning of the entire heart due to the fact that the atria of the heart lose the ability to contract rhythmically), various types of dysfunction of the conduction system and changes in the heart muscle.
IN.PAIN IN THE HEART AREA
This symptom is often found in diseases of the circulatory system, but its meaning is very different: in some diseases (for example, coronary heart disease (CHD)) this symptom is the main one, in other diseases it may not be of decisive importance.
Pain in ischemic heart disease is of greatest importance. The cause of such pain is a lack of blood circulation in the heart muscle ( myocardial ischemia). Pains of ischemic origin have a clear characteristic: they are of a compressive nature, short-term (up to 3-5 minutes), occur in paroxysms, more often during physical activity, when going outside at a low ambient temperature. Localized behind the sternum (less often in the heart area), they stop after stopping movement and taking nitroglycerin. Such an attack is called angina pectoris. Similar pains can occur at night during sleep: usually the patient, when he wakes up, sits up and the pain gradually goes away (often without taking nitroglycerin). This attack is called angina at rest. The considered attacks of pain can also occur with certain heart defects (most often aortic).
In other diseases, pain does not have such characteristic symptoms. As a rule, they are aching in nature, the duration varies, the intensity is low, and there is no clear relief effect from taking certain medications. This type of pain occurs in many heart diseases: heart defects, myocarditis, pericarditis, increased blood pressure n ave.
Pain in the heart area can occur with diseases that have nothing to do with the cardiovascular system (CVS). Pain in the heart area is observed with left-sided pneumonia (with the involvement of the pleura in the pathological process), with osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine, diseases of the esophagus, ribs and costal cartilages, intercostal neuralgia, myositis, etc. 
DYSPNEA
A common symptom of heart disease. The causes of shortness of breath are a decrease in the contractile function of the heart and the resulting stagnation of blood in the vessels of the small circle. Therefore, shortness of breath is the first symptom of heart failure.
With a slight weakening of the heart muscle, shortness of breath occurs only during physical exertion, climbing stairs, and over time - with any movement, even the most insignificant. In severe cases, shortness of breath is observed in patients lying in bed.
Sudden weakening of the heart muscle can cause sudden shortness of breath in the form of attacks of suffocation, called attacks of cardiac asthma. If an attack of suffocation is not stopped in a timely manner with the help of various therapeutic measures, then pulmonary edema may develop: suffocation is accompanied by a cough with the release of foamy pink (bloody) sputum. These attacks are dangerous because... the patient may die. 
SWELLING
This is a characteristic sign of heart failure, and more precisely - right ventricular failure. A decrease in the contractile function of the right ventricle leads to stagnation of blood in its cavity and increased blood pressure. Gradually, blood stagnation occurs throughout the entire system. As a result of stagnation of blood, the liquid part of it sweats through the walls of blood vessels into the surrounding tissues and edema occurs.
Edema in heart failure has a number of features: it appears on the lower extremities (ankles, feet, legs), i.e. at the greatest distance from the heart. If the patient lies down, swelling appears on the sacrum and lower back. With further weakening of the heart, fluids accumulate in the cavities (pleural, abdominal). Before the appearance of peripheral edema, blood stagnation primarily develops in the liver, which swells and increases in size, which causes a feeling of heaviness, and then dull pain in the right hypochondrium. 
CYANOSIS
Blue discoloration of the lips, tip of the nose, fingers and toes. Typically, cyanosis appears somewhat earlier than edema and is also caused by heart failure. The bluish coloration is explained by the transillumination of blood containing a large amount of reduced hemoglobin through the skin. The amount of restored hemoglobin increases due to the fact that tissues remove oxygen from hemoglobin to a greater extent than normal. This process is facilitated by slow blood flow in the capillaries due to reduced contractility. 
SRS:Task 5. 1. Work in microgroups: based on the text on the specialty, based on replicas-stimuli and replicas-answers, compose and demonstrate: Dialogue-questioning. Dialogue-conversation. Dialogue-discussion.
2. Compile a trilingual glossary of terms in your specialty. Do a structural-semantic analysis.
08.01.2016Image found on blog.doctoroz.com
In life, anything happens and no one is one hundred percent insured against illnesses. Often we ourselves visit doctors when we feel something is wrong in the body, or when we need to get a certificate from the hospital ( sickleave).
Of course, there are people who take special care of their health and visit doctors regularly, so to speak, for prevention, to make sure that everything is in order.
So today we will learn useful words and expressions in English that will be useful to you when visiting a doctor abroad.
Below you will find useful vocabulary on the topic “At the Doctor’s” in the form of dialogues between the doctor and the patient in English. I think this will make it easier for you to understand and remember current expressions and phrases in English.
Making an appointment with a doctor
Usually, to see a doctor, you first need to make an appointment, i.e. set a time and date for your visit.
So, you call or come to the clinic and talk to the girl at the reception.
Patient: I want to see a doctor.
Receptionist: Do you have an appointment?
Patient: Yes, I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
Patient: No, I would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Brown.
Receptionist: Do you have private medical insurance?
Receptionist: Is it urgent?
Receptionist: Please take a seat.
Receptionist: The doctor is ready to see you now.
At a doctor's appointment: introductory phrases in English
First, the doctor will ask you what’s wrong and what you’re complaining about, then you voice your problem or cause of concern.
Doctor: Hello, how can I help you? / What's the problem?
Patient: I have got a temperature / sore throat / headache etc.
Patient: I have got a pain in my back / chest etc.
Patient: I am asthmatic / diabetic / epileptic etc.
Patient: I am in a lot of pain. / I have been feeling sick.
Patient: I have got diarrhea.
Patient: I have got a lump / swollen ankle, leg etc.
Patient: I need another inhaler / some more insulin / some medicine etc.
Doctor: How long have you been feeling like this? - How long have you been feeling this way?
Doctor: Are you on any sort of medication? - Do you take any medications?
Doctor: Do you have any allergies? - Are you allergic to anything?
Patient: I am allergic to antibiotics.
Patient: I need a sick note.
When examined by a doctor: possible questions in English
- Can I have a look?
- Where does it hurt?
- Does it hurt when I press here?
- I'm going to take your blood pressure / temperature / pulse(measure pressure, temperature, pulse)
- Could you roll up your sleeve?
- Your blood pressure is quite low / normal / high / very high.
- Your temperature is normal / a little high / very high.
- Open your mouth, please.
- You need a few stitches.
- I am going to give you an injection.
- You leg/arm etc. is broken. We need to put it in a plaster(to set a plaster cast).
- We need to take an urine sample / a blood sample(urine collection/blood collection).
- You need to have a blood test(blood analysis).
- I am going to prescribe you some antibiotics / a syrup for your cough(cough syrup) / a cream for your rash etc. (rash relief cream)
- Take two of these pills three times a day.
- Take this prescription to the chemist(pharmacist).
- You should stop smoking / cut down on your drinking(reduce the amount of alcohol consumed - “stop drinking”) / take a rest / lose some weight etc.
- I want to send you for an X-ray.
- I want you to see a specialist. - The doctor gives you a referral to another doctor who specializes in your problem.
That's all. I wish you good health, as well as perseverance and patience for
When we write articles, we always hope that the material will be useful to our readers and will be useful to them in practice. However, this article unsettled us: we really hope that these materials on how to conduct a dialogue with a doctor in English will never be useful to you in your life. And yet it’s definitely worth learning them, because the English proverb says: better safe than sorry (God protects the safe).
We have written a simple phrasebook for travelers, in which you will find dialogues, phrases and vocabulary on 25 essential topics. Go on a journey with the main character and improve your English. You can download the book for free at.
How to make an appointment with a doctor
So you've been swimming in the sea for too long or sprained your ankle during an excursion. In this case, you need to contact the hotel administrator or ask someone where you can find a doctor. To do this, say: I need a doctor (I need a doctor) or Please, get me a doctor (Please send for a doctor). You may need to make an appointment with your doctor by calling his or her office. In this case, use the following phrases when speaking:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I would like to make an appointment with Dr. House, please. | I would like to make an appointment with Dr. House. |
| When will the doctor be free? | When will the doctor be free? |
| I'd like to see Dr. House on Monday. | I would like to make an appointment with Dr. House on Monday. |
When talking to you, the administrator may use the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Is it urgent? | This is urgent? |
| Do you have private medical insurance? | Do you have health insurance? |
| What's the problem? / What's the matter? / What do you complain of? | What is the problem? / What's happened? / What are you complaining about? (you can respond by describing your symptoms using the phrases below) |
| Which day and what time is good for you? | On what day and at what time will be convenient for you? |
If you need a specialist, the conversation can be conducted using the previous phrases, but you need to know the name of the doctor you need. Fortunately, many doctor names in Russian and English sound almost the same, so you don’t have to learn much.
| Word | Translation |
|---|---|
| an allergist | allergist |
| a cardiologist | cardiologist |
| a dentist | dentist |
| a dermatologist | dermatologist |
| a GP (general practitioner), a physician | general practitioner, therapist, family doctor |
| a gynecologist (AmE) / a gynecologist (BrE) | gynecologist |
| a neurologist | neurologist |
| an ophthalmologist | ophthalmologist |
| an orthopedic doctor | orthopedic doctor |
| a pediatrician | pediatrician |
| a surgeon | surgeon |
If you or another person needs urgent help, ask someone around you to call it by saying: Please, call an ambulance. Ambulance doctors will provide first aid to the victim and, if necessary, take him to the hospital.
Have you decided to call for help yourself? Before traveling, be sure to check with your tour operator or online for all emergency phone numbers. You can call them even if you have no money in your account and without a SIM card. Record the following emergency numbers in your phone:
- 112 - Europe (full list of countries);
- 911 - USA, Canada and NANP countries (full list of countries);
- 999 - Great Britain, Ireland and other countries (full list of countries).
In some cases, when you dial one of these universal numbers, the system will automatically route your call to emergency services. Therefore, if you are shocked and have forgotten which number is valid in a given country, dial any of the numbers listed. The operator will clarify what type of assistance you need and connect you with the appropriate service. To be connected to an ambulance, say: I need an ambulance, please. After connecting, describe your symptoms and give your address, and a specialist will be sent to you.
Let's use dialogue to find out how to make an appointment with a doctor in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| A: Hello! I would like to make an appointment with a doctor, please. | A: Hello, I would like to make an appointment with the doctor. |
| B: Hello! Do you need urgent care? What seems to be the problem? | IN: Hello! Do you need urgent help? What's happened? |
| A: Yes, I do. I have a terrible pain in my left arm and my wrist is swollen. | A: Yes, it's urgent. I'm in terrible pain left hand and my wrist was swollen. |
| B: Do you have private medical insurance? | IN: Do you have health insurance? |
| A: Yes, I do. | A: Yes, I have. |
| B: Ok, I can fit you in today at 3 p.m. Does that suit you? | IN: I can make an appointment for you with a doctor at 3 pm today. Suits you? |
| A: That's great, thank you. | A: Excellent thank you. |
| B: Ok, I will write you in for today at 3 p.m. m. | IN: Okay, I'll make an appointment for you today at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. |
| A: Thank you for your help! | A: Thank you for your help! |
We invite you to watch a video in which you will learn useful phrases for conversation with the clinic administrator. They can be used when you go to the doctor and wait your turn, describe your symptoms to the nurse, etc.
Names of disease symptoms in English
You sought medical help and now you need to explain to the doctor what happened to you. Getting a correct diagnosis depends on how accurately you describe your symptoms, so English can literally save lives.
We will give the names of symptoms of diseases in English: that is, this is what you feel, what you are complaining about.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| ill | sick |
| an illness | illness (internal organs, short-term) |
| a disease | severe/chronic/fatal illness |
| sickness | nausea |
| an injury | bodily injury |
| a backache | backache |
| a black eye | black eye |
| a blister | blister, callus |
| a bruise | bruise |
| a bump | cone |
| a burn (a sunburn) | burn (sunburn) |
| a chill | chills |
| a cough | cough |
| a cramp | cramp, spasm |
| a cut | a cut |
| an earache | earache |
| a faint | fainting |
| a fever | fever |
| a headache | headache |
| a muscle ache | muscle pain |
| a nosebleed | nosebleed |
| a pain / an ache | pain |
| a rush | rash |
| a scratch | scratch |
| a sore throat | sore throat |
| a stomachache | stomach ache |
| a toothache | toothache |
| bleeding | bleeding |
| blood pressure | arterial pressure |
| constipation | constipation |
| diarrhea/diarrhea | diarrhea |
| indigestion | indigestion, upset stomach |
| insomnia | insomnia |
| inflammation | inflammation |
| sore | inflamed, painful (when muscles ache after heavy physical activity) |
| sore eyes | inflamed (red) eyes |
| to hurt | get sick |
| to sneeze | sneeze |
| to feel dizzy | to feel dizzy |
| to feel weak | feel weak |
| to be broken | broken (My arm is broken. - My arm is broken.) |
| to sprain/pull | sprain (I sprained my ankle. - I sprained my ankle.) |
| to twist | dislocate (I twisted my ankle. - I sprained my ankle.) |
| swollen (leg) | swollen/edematous (leg) |
| runny/running nose | runny nose (runny nose) |
| (my nose is) stuffed up | (my nose) is stuffy |
| (my skin is) itchy | (my skin) itches |
| (to feel) sick | (feel) nauseated |
| to vomit / throw up / puke | tear |
As you already understand, in order to tell the doctor exactly what hurts you, you need to know the names of body parts. Therefore, we recommend that you learn at least the basic concepts from the article “Body Parts in English”.
There are two similar terms for the word “pain” in English: pain and ache. What is the difference? Ache is a long-lasting dull pain that we can endure. The word pain usually refers to more severe pain, for which we go to the doctor. However, in many cases, these two words are interchangeable, because each person has their own pain threshold, and for some, ache can be comparable in strength to pain.
How to report your complaints to your doctor
Now you know the names of the main symptoms in English and can tell the doctor what is bothering you. We suggest using the following simple phrases for dialogue with a doctor in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I am not feeling well. | I do not feel myself well. |
| I feel ill. | I am sick. |
| I feel sick. | I'm sick. |
| I feel dizzy. | I feel dizzy. |
| I've cut myself. | I cut myself. |
I have:
| I have:
|
| My back/arm/head is hurting. / My back/arm/head hurts. | My back/arm/head hurts. |
| It hurts here. | It hurts here. (universal phrase if you have forgotten the name of a body part) |
| I got hit with... | I got hit... |
After you have described your symptoms, your doctor may ask you the following questions to help clarify the situation. We have also written simple answer options that you can use.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| A: When did you notice the symptoms? When did the symptoms start? | A: When did you notice the symptoms? When did symptoms first appear? |
| B: Yesterday / two days ago / month ago. | IN: Yesterday / 2 days ago / a month ago. |
| A: When do you have the symptoms? | A: When do your symptoms appear? |
| B: Only at night / every morning. | IN: Only at night/every morning. |
| A: How long did the symptoms last? For how long have you been feeling ill? | A: How long do symptoms last? How long have you been sick? |
| B: Three days / four hours / a week. About two days ago and it still hurts. | IN: Three days / four hours / week. About two days ago and it still hurts. |
| A: Did you take any medicine? | A: Did you take any medications? |
| B: I'm taking... | IN: I accept... |
In addition, your doctor may ask you the following questions:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Where's the pain? | Where does it hurt? |
| What seemed to make the symptoms worse? | What do you think is worsening your condition? |
| What have you eaten/drunk? | What did you eat/drink? |
| Have you got any other symptoms? | Do you have any other symptoms? |
| What infectious diseases have you had? | What infectious diseases have you had? |
| Is this the first time this has happened? | Is this the first time this has happened to you? |
| Have you taken your temperature? | Have you taken your temperature? |
| Take your clothes off. | Take off your clothes. |
After the interview, the doctor will conduct an examination, and he may tell you the following words:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Can I have a look? | Can I have a look? |
| Does it hurt when I press here? | Does it hurt when I click here? |
| Could you roll up your sleeve? | Could you roll up your sleeve? |
| I’m going to take your blood pressure/temperature/pulse. | I'm going to take your blood pressure/temperature/pulse. |
| Your blood pressure is low / normal / rather high / very high. | Your blood pressure is low/normal/quite high/very high. |
| Your temperature is normal / a little high / very high. | Your temperature is normal / elevated / very high. |
| Open your mouth, please. | Open your mouth, please. |
| Cough, please. | Cough, please. |
| Take a deep breath, please. | Take a deep breath, please. |
| Breathe out. | Exhale. |
| Don't breathe. | Don't breathe. |
| Lay down over here. | Lie down here, please. |
After the examination, the doctor may prescribe you an additional examination or procedure, as well as give some instructions. We suggest studying the following phrases that a doctor can say in a dialogue with a patient in English:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| You need to have a blood test. | You need to do a blood test. |
| I want you to see a specialist. | I want you to see a specialist. |
| We need to take a urine sample / blood sample. | We need to take a blood/urine test. |
| You need a few stitches. | You need stitches. |
| I want to send you for an X-ray. | I want to send you for an x-ray. |
| I want to send you for an ultrasound. | I want to send you for an ultrasound. |
Making a diagnosis in English
If additional examinations are not required, the doctor will make a diagnosis, and you will need to understand what is wrong with you. We suggest you memorize the names of the main diseases in English.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| (a) brain discussion | concussion |
| a break/fracture | fracture |
| a cold | cold |
| a contagious disease | contagious/infectious disease |
| a heart attack | heart attack, infarction |
| A nervous breakdown | breakdown |
| a stroke | stroke |
| a tumor (benign tumor) / a tumor | tumor (benign tumor) |
| a virus/bug | virus |
| an allergy | allergy |
| an infection | infection |
| an ulcer | ulcer |
| appendicitis | appendicitis |
| arthritis | arthritis |
| asthma (asthmatic) | asthma (asthma patient) |
| bronchitis | bronchitis |
| chicken pox (chicken pox) | chicken pox |
| diabetes | diabetes |
| epilepsy | epilepsy |
| food poisoning | food poisoning |
| hepatitis | hepatitis |
| influenza/the flu | flu |
| pneumonia | pneumonia |
| mumps | piggy |
| tonsillitis | sore throat, tonsillitis |
Now let's look at an example of a dialogue between a doctor and a patient in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| A: Hello! What seems to be the problem? | A: Hello! What worries you? |
| B: Hello! I have a nagging pain in my left arm and my wrist is swollen. | IN: Hello! I have a nagging pain in my left hand and my wrist is swollen. |
| A: When did the symptoms start? | A: When did the symptoms first appear? |
| B: About two hours ago and it still hurts. | IN: About two hours ago and it still hurts. |
| A: Can I have a look? Please roll up your sleeve. Does it hurt when I press here? | A: Can I have a look? Please roll up your sleeve. Does it hurt when I click here? |
| B: Yes, it hurts. | IN: Yes, it hurts. |
| A: Well, I want to send you for an X-ray. | A: Okay, I want to send you for an x-ray. |
| B: OK. | IN: Fine. |
| A: Well, it’s not a fracture. You have only sprained your wrist. | A: Well, it's not a fracture. You just sprained your wrist. |
| B: Ok, what are your recommendations? Could you prescribe something? | IN: Okay, what do you advise me? Could you prescribe something for me? |
| A: I’m going to apply a bandage and prescribe you some anti-inflammatory ointment. Do you have any allergies? | A: I'm going to apply a bandage and prescribe you some anti-inflammatory ointment. Are you allergic to anything? |
| B: No, I don’t. | IN: No. |
| A: OK, here is your prescription. You should apply your ointment three times a day. | A: Okay, here's your recipe. You should apply the ointment three times a day. |
| B: Thank you very much! | IN: Thanks a lot! |
| A: Not at all! | A: Please! |
So, the diagnosis has been made, all that remains is to get cured. The doctor will give you his recommendations and a prescription so that you can buy medications at the pharmacy (remedy). Treatment may also include medical procedures. In this case, the doctor can tell you in English what he is going to do.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I'm going to give you an injection. | I'll give you an injection. |
| I'm going to put on a plaster. | I'll put you in a cast. |
| I'll dress the wound. | I'll bandage the wound. |
| You need a drip. | You need to get an IV. |
| I'm going to prescribe you some antibiotics. | I will prescribe you antibiotics. |
| Do you have any allergies? | Are you allergic to anything? |
| I'll give you a prescription. Take two of these pills three times a day. | I'll give you the recipe. Take two of these tablets three times a day. |
| You must take your medicine four times a day. If you don’t feel better in two or three days, call me again. | You should take your medicine 4 times a day. If you don't feel better in 2-3 days, call me again. |
| We'll need to run some tests. | We need to conduct additional examination. |
| Come back next week if you don’t feel better. | Come back next week if you don't feel better. |
| You shouldn't worry. There's no serious problem. | You shouldn't worry. None serious problems you do not have. |
| I don't think it's too serious. | I don't think it's too serious. |
| You must stay in bed and take your medicine four times a day, after meals. | You should stay in bed and take your medicine 4 times a day after meals. |
| You must follow a diet. | You must stick to your diet. |
| I’d like to keep you here overnight for observation. | I would like to keep you here (in the hospital) for observation. |
| You'll have to stay in hospital for two weeks. | You will have to stay in the hospital for two weeks. |
You can also ask the doctor your questions in English:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| What are your recommendations for me? | What will you advice me? |
| Is it something serious? Is this a common problem at my age? | Is this something serious? Is this normal for my age? |
| When will the tests results come in? Are you going to run more tests? | When will the test results be ready? Are you going to conduct any more examinations? |
| Do I have to be operated on? / Will I need surgery? | Do I need an operation? |
| How long do I have to stay in hospital? | How long do I have to stay in the hospital? |
| Could you prescribe some medicine for me? | Could you prescribe me some medicine? |
| How often should I take this medicine? | How often do I need to take this medicine? |
| Shall I come back next week if I don’t get better? | Should I come see you again next week if I don't get better? |
Watch the following examples of conversations from the British Council, which show you how a doctor's visit progresses from the moment of injury to discharge from hospital.
How to communicate in a pharmacy in English
A pharmacy can be called by three different words: pharmacy, drugstore and chemist’s. What is the difference between them? It is believed that drugstore is the American version of the name of the pharmacy, and the terms pharmacy and chemist’s are better used in the UK. Previously, the word “drug” was used only in the USA and Canada to refer to medical preparations in addition to drugs. Now the word drugstore is already used by residents of Foggy Albion. However, there is another difference between these three terms. In most cases, pharmacies and chemist’s dispense medications only with a doctor’s prescription, while you can also buy over-the-counter medications at drugstores.
Let's learn the names now various types medicines in English. This information will be useful if you decide to purchase medications without visiting a doctor.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| a bandage | bandage, bandage |
| a brace | corset, splint, bandage |
| a capsule | capsule |
| a dressing | bandage |
| a laxative | laxative |
| a painkiller | painkiller |
| a sleeping tablet/pill | hypnotic |
| a sticking poster | patch |
| a sling | support bandage |
| a tablet/pill | tablet |
| a tranquilizer | tranquilizer, sedative |
| an antacid | stomach acid reducer |
| an antibiotic | antibiotic |
| an elastic tape | rubber band |
| an inhaler | inhaler |
| antibacterial medication | antibacterial medicine |
| antifebrile | febrifuge |
| antiseptic | antiseptic |
| antiviral medication | antiviral medicine |
| cough medicine | cough medicine |
| drops | drops |
| insulin | insulin |
| medicine/a drug | medicine |
| mixture | medicine |
| ointment | ointment |
| powder | powder |
| syrup | syrup |
What is the difference between the words pill and tablet? Usually a pill is a round tablet that is easy to swallow - a pill. The word tablet usually refers to flat tablets. However, recently these words are increasingly used as synonyms, calling them different types tablets and capsules.
Let's give an example of a dialogue in a pharmacy in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| A: Hello! Can I help you? | A: Hello! I can help you? |
| B: Hello! I am looking for some anti-inflammatory ointment. | IN: Hello! I'm looking for an anti-inflammatory ointment. |
| A: Do you have a prescription? | A: Do you have a prescription? |
| B: Yes, here you are. | IN: Yes, here it is. |
| A: Alright, one moment, please. | A: Okay, one minute please. |
| B: Thanks. Another thing, have you got any bandages for my sprained wrist? | IN: Thank you. And one more thing, do you have bandages, I sprained my wrist? |
| A: Sure, here you are. | A: Of course, here they are. |
| B: Thank you! What is the total? | IN: Thank you! What is the total amount? |
| A: That will be £7, please. | A: 7 pounds please. |
| B: Here you are. Thank you! | IN: Hold it. Thank you! |
| A: Have a nice day! | A: Have a good day! |
By the way, every medicine has side effects(side effects), be sure to ask your pharmacist what you can expect from certain tablets. You can read more about how to communicate with a pharmacist in the article by our teacher Ekaterina “At the pharmacy, or Useful English in the pharmacy.”
Now you are ready for any situation abroad and will not be confused if you get sick. We hope you will never need this knowledge and you will have a great rest without any unpleasant adventures. And if you want to improve your English in order to feel completely comfortable abroad, we invite you to. Our teachers will teach you to speak competently and beautifully.
Complete list of words and phrases for download
We have compiled 2 documents: one contains all the words and expressions on this topic, and in the second you will find the presented dialogues.
(*.pdf, 327 Kb)
At the doctor's
Next, please. Come in… Take a seat.
Hello, doctor. Last time I came to see you a year ago. You gave me a complete medical check-up then.
OK. And what is the matter with you at the moment? Any complaints?
I don't feel very well. I’ve had an awful headache for 2 days already. Besides I've got a sore throat.
Have you got a high temperature?
I took my temperature this morning. It was 37.9.
That's not so much, I must say.
So much the better, doctor. If it were over 38 degrees I’d be in bed now.
Are you coughing much?
A little bit. I don’t have any fits of coughing but I feel pain when I talk and swallow.
I see. I have to examine your throat and sound your lungs now… Please, strip to the waist. Now take a deep breath. OK. You can breathe out. And now I want you to cough. Good... Well, don’t worry, it’s just a throat infection. There's nothing wrong with your lungs. I’ll prescribe some pills which you should take twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, after your meals. You should also take cough syrup, 3 teaspoonfuls a day will be enough. And it goes without saying that you must not drink any cold liquids.
All right. Is that all doctor?
Oh, yes, I shall not prescribe any antibiotics for you, as you haven’t got bronchitis fortunately. If you follow my directions, you’ll avoid any complications and feel much better in a couple of days. However if the symptoms do not disappear by Thursday you should come and consult me again. So, get well. Here is your prescription. By the way, shall I write out a sick-list?
No, it's all right. I'm on vacation now. Thank you, doctor. Bye-bye.
Next one please. Come on in. Have a seat.
Hello, Doctor. The last time I visited you was a year ago. Then I underwent a full medical examination with you.
Fine. What happened to you now? Any complaints?
I don't feel well. I've had a terrible headache for two days now. Besides, my throat hurts.
Do you have a high temperature?
This morning I took my temperature. It was 37.9.
Not that high, I must say.
So much the better, Doctor. If it had been more than 38 degrees, I would be lying in bed right now.
Do you cough a lot?
A little. I don't have coughing attacks, but it hurts to talk and swallow.
It's clear. I need to examine your throat and listen to your lungs... Please undress to the waist. Now take a deep breath. Fine. You can breathe out. Now I want you to cough. Okay... Well, don't worry. You just have a throat infection. And there is nothing unusual in the lungs. Therefore, I will prescribe you tablets that should be taken twice a day, morning and evening, after meals. You also need to take cough syrup, 3 teaspoons per day will be enough. And, of course, you should not drink cold liquid.
Fine. Is that all, doctor?
Oh yeah. I am not prescribing any antibiotics for you since you do not have bronchitis, fortunately. If you follow my instructions, you will avoid complications and feel much better within a couple of days. However, if your symptoms do not resolve by Thursday, you will need to see me again. Well, get better. Here's your recipe. By the way, should I issue you a sick leave?