English for Medical Purposes - Troubling Symptoms

Some Troubling Symptoms

Patient: Good afternoon.

Doctor: Good afternoon. Have a seat. So, what have you come in for today?
Patient: Thank you. I'm feeling ill, I've got quite a bad cough, but I don't seem to have a fever.

Doctor: I see. How long have you had these symptoms?
Patient: Oh, I've had the cough for two weeks, but feeling ill just these past few days.

Doctor: Are you having any other problems?

Patient: Well, I've got a headache. I've also had a little bit of diarrhea.

Doctor: Do you produce any phlegm when coughing?
Patient: Sometimes, but it's usually pretty dry.

Doctor: Do you smoke?
Patient: Yes, a few cigarettes a day. Certainly no more than a half a pack a day.

Doctor: How about allergies? Do you have any allergies?
Patient: Not that I'm aware of.

Doctor: Does your head feel stuffy?
Patient: Yes, for the past few days.

Doctor: OK. Now let's have a look. Could you please open your mouth and say 'ah'?

Key Vocabulary

symptoms
to feel ill
cough
fever
to have a cough
headache
diarrhea
phlegm
to cough
allergy
stuffy
to feel stuffy

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

More English for Medical Purposes Dialogues

Troubling Symptoms - Doctor and Patient
Joint Pain - Doctor and Patient
A Physical Examination - Doctor and Patient
Pain that Comes and Goes - Doctor and Patient
A Prescription - Doctor and Patient
Feeling Queasy - Nurse and Patient
Helping a Patient - Nurse and Patient
Patient Details - Administration Staff and Patient

More Dialogue Practice - Includes level and target structures / language functions for each dialogue.