Describing Symptoms

When you visit a doctor, pharmacy, or clinic, you need to explain how you feel clearly. In this lesson, you’ll learn natural English used to describe common symptoms, answer simple health questions, and communicate confidently in everyday medical situations.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about using perfect medical vocabulary. Native speakers usually describe symptoms in simple words like “I have a headache,” “My throat hurts,” or “I’ve been coughing since yesterday.” Clear communication is more important than complicated words.

Useful Expressions

• I don’t feel well.
• I’ve been feeling sick.
• I have a headache.
• I have a sore throat.
• I have a fever.
• I’ve been coughing a lot.
• My stomach hurts.
• I feel dizzy.
• I feel weak.
• I’m feeling tired.
• I have a runny nose.
• I can’t stop sneezing.
• It hurts when I swallow.
• I’ve had these symptoms since yesterday.
• I think I need to see a doctor.

Questions & Answers

1. What’s wrong?
I have a terrible headache.

2. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling weak and tired.

3. Do you have a fever?
Yes, I do.

4. When did it start?
It started this morning.

5. Are you coughing?
Yes, quite a lot.

6. Does your throat hurt?
Yes, it hurts when I swallow.

7. Have you taken any medicine?
Yes, I took some medicine an hour ago.

8. Are you feeling better now?
A little better, but I’m still tired.

9. Can you go to work today?
No, I need to rest.

10. Should I see a doctor?
Yes, if your symptoms continue.

Conversation

Emma: Hi, Jack. You don’t look well.

Jack: I don’t feel very well today.

Emma: What’s wrong?

Jack: I have a headache and a sore throat.

Emma: Do you have a fever too?

Jack: Yes, I think so.

Emma: When did it start?

Jack: Last night.

Emma: Have you taken any medicine?

Jack: Yes, but I still don’t feel much better.

Emma: You should rest and see a doctor if it gets worse.

Real-Life Conversation

Receptionist: Good morning. How can I help you?

Patient: Good morning. I’d like to see a doctor.

Receptionist: What’s the problem?

Patient: I’ve been feeling sick since yesterday.

Receptionist: What symptoms do you have?

Patient: I have a fever and a bad cough.

Receptionist: Do you have a sore throat?

Patient: Yes, my throat hurts a lot.

Receptionist: Are you having trouble breathing?

Patient: No, just coughing and feeling weak.

Receptionist: Have you taken any medicine?

Patient: Yes, I took some fever medicine.

Receptionist: Did it help?

Patient: Only a little.

Receptionist: Have you eaten anything today?

Patient: Just some soup.

Receptionist: Please take a seat.

Patient: Thank you.

Doctor: Hello. What seems to be the problem?

Patient: I’ve had a fever, cough, and sore throat since yesterday.

Doctor: I’ll check your temperature first.

Patient: Okay.

Doctor: Please open your mouth and say “Ah.”

Patient: Ah…

Doctor: It looks like a throat infection. I’ll prescribe some medicine.

Patient: Thank you, doctor.

Quick Practice

A. Change the Words

Replace the bold words with another symptom.

1. I have a headache. → __________
2. I feel weak. → __________
3. I have a fever. → __________
4. My stomach hurts. → __________
5. I’ve been coughing. → __________

B. Answer the Questions

1. What do you say if you have a fever?
2. How do you tell someone your throat hurts?
3. What question can you ask about someone’s health?
4. When should you see a doctor?
5. What medicine do you usually take when you have a cold?

C. Complete the Sentences

1. I don’t __________ well.
2. I have a sore __________.
3. I’ve been coughing __________ yesterday.
4. My stomach __________.
5. I think I need to __________ a doctor.

Speaking Challenge

Imagine you wake up feeling unwell. Speak for 45–60 seconds without reading.

Include these points:

• How you are feeling
• What symptoms you have
• When they started
• Whether you took any medicine
• Whether you plan to visit a doctor

Try to use at least five expressions from this lesson.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect	Correct
I have fever.	I have a fever.
My head is paining.	I have a headache. / My head hurts.
I am feeling not good.	I don’t feel well.
Since yesterday I am coughing.	I’ve been coughing since yesterday.
I have pain in throat.	I have a sore throat.

Lesson Summary

Key Expressions

• I don’t feel well.
• I’ve been feeling sick.
• I have a headache.
• I have a sore throat.
• I have a fever.
• My stomach hurts.
• I feel dizzy.
• I feel weak.
• I’ve been coughing.
• It hurts when I swallow.
• I’ve had these symptoms since yesterday.
• I need to see a doctor.