Common Symptoms and How to Describe Them in English

When visiting a doctor, working in healthcare, or studying medical English, one of the most important skills is being able to describe symptoms clearly. Patients need to explain what they are feeling, and healthcare professionals must understand and document those descriptions accurately. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, delayed diagnosis, or even medical errors.

This guide provides a detailed overview of common symptoms, practical vocabulary, and useful expressions to help learners of English communicate effectively in medical situations.

Why Describing Symptoms Accurately Matters

Clear communication is essential in healthcare. Many patients are not native English speakers, especially in international medical settings, so learning the right vocabulary can make interactions smoother. For healthcare providers, accurate descriptions allow for correct diagnoses and better patient care. For students of English, especially those preparing for medical school or nursing, mastering this skill is an important step toward fluency.

Key Vocabulary for Symptom Description

Before looking at specific symptoms, it’s helpful to understand the vocabulary commonly used in medical English:

• Acute: sudden and severe.

• Chronic: lasting a long time or recurring.

• Mild, moderate, severe: words to describe intensity.

• Persistent: continuing without improvement.

• Intermittent: coming and going.

• Onset: the beginning of symptoms.

• Duration: how long symptoms last.

• Frequency: how often symptoms occur.

These terms allow you to give a more detailed description rather than just naming a symptom.

Common Symptoms and Useful Phrases

1. Pain

Pain is one of the most common complaints. In English, pain can be described in different ways:

• Ache: a continuous, dull pain (headache, toothache, stomachache).

• Sharp pain: sudden and intense.

• Throbbing pain: rhythmic, like a pulse.

• Stabbing pain: feels like being pierced with a knife.

• Burning pain: like a fire or heat.

• Cramping: squeezing pain, often in muscles or the abdomen.

Examples:

• “I have a dull ache in my lower back.”

• “The pain comes and goes every few hours.”

• “It feels like a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest.”

2. Fever and Chills

Fever indicates elevated body temperature, while chills often accompany it.

• High fever: above 39°C (102°F).

• Low-grade fever: slightly higher than normal.

• Chills: shaking and feeling cold even when warm.

Examples:

• “I’ve had a high fever for two days.”

• “I feel hot and sweaty, then suddenly get chills.”

3. Cough

A cough can be described based on its sound and type:

• Dry cough: no mucus or phlegm.

• Productive/wet cough: produces mucus.

• Persistent cough: lasts for weeks.

• Whooping cough: has a high-pitched “whoop” sound.

Examples:

• “I have a dry cough that won’t go away.”

• “My cough is producing yellow mucus.”

4. Shortness of Breath

This refers to difficulty breathing.

• Mild shortness of breath: only after activity.

• Severe shortness of breath: even while resting.

• Wheezing: whistling sound when breathing.

Examples:

• “I feel short of breath after walking a short distance.”

• “I sometimes wake up in the night gasping for air.”

5. Fatigue and Weakness

These are often confused, but they are slightly different.

• Fatigue: extreme tiredness.

• Weakness: lack of physical strength.

Examples:

• “I feel exhausted even after sleeping.”

• “My legs feel weak when I try to stand.”

6. Nausea and Vomiting

• Nausea: feeling like you want to vomit.

• Vomiting: actually throwing up.

• Dry heaves: trying to vomit but nothing comes out.

Examples:

• “I feel nauseous after eating.”

• “I’ve been vomiting all night.”

7. Dizziness and Fainting

• Dizziness: feeling lightheaded or unsteady.

• Vertigo: a spinning sensation.

• Fainting (syncope): temporary loss of consciousness.

Examples:

• “I get dizzy when I stand up quickly.”

• “The room feels like it’s spinning around me.”

8. Digestive Issues

Common complaints include:

• Diarrhea: loose or watery stools.

• Constipation: difficulty passing stools.

• Bloating: feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.

• Indigestion: discomfort after eating.

Examples:

• “I’ve had diarrhea three times today.”

• “I feel bloated after meals.”

9. Skin Symptoms

Skin often shows signs of underlying issues:

• Rash: red, irritated skin.

• Itching: urge to scratch.

• Hives: raised, red bumps from an allergic reaction.

• Bruising: skin discoloration after injury.

Examples:

• “I developed a red rash on my arms.”

• “The itching keeps me awake at night.”

10. Neurological Symptoms

These involve the nervous system:

• Headache: pain in the head.

• Migraine: severe headache with nausea or sensitivity to light.

• Numbness: loss of feeling.

• Tingling (pins and needles): prickling sensation.

Examples:

• “I get migraines once a month, usually with nausea.”

• “My right hand feels numb and tingly.”

How to Give a Full Symptom Description

Doctors often use a structured method to collect information, sometimes called the “OPQRST” model:

• O (Onset): When did it start?

• P (Provocation): What makes it better or worse?

• Q (Quality): What does it feel like?

• R (Region/Radiation): Where is it located? Does it spread?

• S (Severity): How strong is it on a scale of 1–10?

• T (Time): How long has it lasted?

Example description:

• “The pain started three days ago (onset). It gets worse when I move (provocation). It feels like a stabbing pain (quality). It’s in my lower right abdomen (region). On a scale of 1–10, it’s about an 8 (severity). It has been constant for the past three days (time).”

This method helps patients and medical professionals communicate clearly.

Practical Tips for Learners

1. Learn synonyms: For example, “tired” and “fatigued” mean similar things, but “fatigue” is more formal in medical English.

2. Practice role-play: Simulate conversations between a doctor and patient.

3. Use a scale: Doctors often ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is the pain?”

4. Be specific: Instead of saying “I feel bad,” describe the exact symptom.

5. Keep a symptom diary: Write down symptoms daily using English vocabulary.

Conclusion

Describing symptoms accurately in English is a vital skill for patients, healthcare professionals, and students alike. Knowing the right vocabulary helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures proper medical treatment, and builds confidence in communication. By practicing the terms and expressions listed above, learners can become more precise and effective in medical contexts.

What is the best way to explain a symptom in English?

Use a short, structured description: Onset (when it started), Provocation (what makes it better/worse), Quality (type of feeling), Region/Radiation (where it is and whether it spreads), Severity (1–10 scale), and Timing (how long or how often). This OPQRST approach keeps your explanation clear and efficient. Example: “The pain started yesterday afternoon, gets worse when I breathe deeply, feels sharp, is under my left ribs and does not spread, about 6 out of 10, and has been constant for 12 hours.”

How can I describe pain precisely?

Choose specific adjectives and add intensity and pattern:

• Quality: dull, aching, sharp, stabbing, burning, throbbing, cramping, pressure-like, shooting, electric
• Intensity: mild, moderate, severe; or “X out of 10”
• Pattern: constant, intermittent, comes and goes, worse at night, worse with movement, relieved by rest/medication

Example sentences: “It’s a burning pain that gets worse after meals,” or “I have a throbbing headache behind my eyes, about 7 out of 10.”

What phrases help when I am unsure of the exact word?

Use simple, honest language and comparisons: “I’m not sure how to say it, but it feels like pressure.” “It’s similar to muscle cramps.” “It feels like pins and needles.” “The pain spreads to my shoulder.” Clinicians will often ask clarifying questions to guide you.

How do I talk about fever, chills, and sweats?

Key terms include fever (high temperature), low-grade fever (slightly elevated), chills (feeling cold and shivering), and night sweats (waking up soaked with sweat). Examples: “I’ve had a low-grade fever since Monday,” “I get chills in the evening,” “I wake up with night sweats.” If possible, give numbers: “My temperature reached 39°C (102°F).”

How can I describe coughs and breathing issues?

Differentiate coughs as dry (no mucus) or productive/wet (with mucus). Add color and thickness if relevant: clear, white, yellow, green, bloody (say “streaks of blood” if tiny). For breathing, use “shortness of breath,” “wheezing” (whistling sound), “tightness in the chest,” or “I get winded after one flight of stairs.” Example: “I have a persistent dry cough for two weeks and mild shortness of breath when walking fast.”

What vocabulary should I use for stomach and bowel symptoms?

Common terms: nausea (feeling like vomiting), vomiting, diarrhea (loose/watery stools), constipation (difficulty passing stools), bloating, gas, indigestion (discomfort after eating), heartburn (burning in the chest after meals), cramps (abdominal squeezing pain). Example: “I’ve had watery diarrhea three times today with mild cramps and no blood.”

How do I describe dizziness, vertigo, or fainting?

Dizziness is lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo is a spinning sensation (you or the room). Fainting (syncope) means briefly losing consciousness. Example: “I feel dizzy when I stand up quickly,” or “It feels like the room is spinning, and I need to hold onto something.” Mention triggers, duration, and associated symptoms (nausea, headache, palpitations).

How can I talk about fatigue and weakness?

Fatigue is extreme tiredness, often without relief from sleep. Weakness is reduced strength (e.g., difficulty lifting objects or standing). Example: “I feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep,” or “My right leg feels weak when climbing stairs.” If weakness is one-sided or sudden, report it urgently.

What language helps describe skin problems?

Useful terms: rash (areas of red/irritated skin), itching, hives (raised, itchy welts), blisters, scaly, oozing, tender, warm to touch, bruising. Provide location, size, color, border (well-defined or not), and any triggers (new soap, food, medication). Example: “An itchy, red, patchy rash on both arms for three days after using a new detergent.”

How do I explain headaches and neurological symptoms?

Differentiate common headache vs. migraine (often pounding, with nausea, light/sound sensitivity), and mention aura (flashing lights, visual changes) if present. Neurological descriptors include numbness, tingling (pins and needles), weakness, confusion, slurred speech, vision loss. Example: “I get a throbbing migraine twice a month, with nausea and sensitivity to light.” Report sudden, severe headaches (“worst headache of my life”) urgently.

What are useful scales and numbers for clarity?

Numbers make descriptions precise. Use:

• Pain scale: “It’s 8 out of 10.”
• Frequency: “Five episodes today,” “Every 30 minutes,” “Three times a week.”
• Duration: “Each episode lasts about 10 minutes.”
• Temperature: “Up to 38.5°C.”

Quantifying helps clinicians triage and trend your symptoms.

How do I talk about triggers and relieving factors?

State what makes symptoms better or worse: movement, deep breathing, lying down, certain foods, stress, cold air, exercise, or medications. Example: “The chest discomfort gets worse when I climb stairs and improves after resting for five minutes.” This information often guides diagnosis.

Are there sample dialogues I can follow?

Patient: “I’ve had a burning pain in my upper abdomen for three days. It’s worse after spicy meals and better with antacids. It’s about 5 out of 10 and doesn’t spread.”
Clinician: “Any nausea, vomiting, or black stools?”
Patient: “Mild nausea, no vomiting, and normal stools.”

Patient: “I have a dry cough for two weeks with mild shortness of breath when walking fast. No fever. The cough is worse at night.”

What are common “red flag” phrases I should know?

Use clear, urgent language for dangerous symptoms:

• “Crushing chest pain that spreads to my arm/jaw”
• “Severe shortness of breath at rest”
• “Sudden weakness or numbness on one side”
• “Severe, sudden headache—the worst ever”
• “High fever with confusion or stiff neck”
• “Vomiting blood” or “Black, tarry stools”

If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

How can non-native speakers communicate symptoms more easily?

Use simple sentences, avoid slang, and bring a written list of symptoms, medications, allergies, and key dates. If possible, track symptoms in a diary (time, triggers, severity). Ask the clinician to repeat instructions or to write them down. It’s fine to say, “Could you please speak more slowly?” or “Can you explain that in simpler words?”

What’s the difference between similar terms (e.g., nausea vs. dizziness)?

Nausea is stomach discomfort with an urge to vomit. Dizziness is lightheadedness. Vertigo is a spinning sensation. Fatigue is extreme tiredness; weakness is reduced strength. Heartburn is a burning chest feeling after eating; chest pain is any discomfort in the chest (some kinds require urgent care). Precision helps clinicians choose the right tests.

How do I describe timing and frequency clearly?

Use exact words and numbers: “It started on Saturday night,” “twice this morning,” “every evening around 8 p.m.,” “intermittent, about 10 minutes each time,” “constant since yesterday.” Avoid vague phrases like “for a while” when possible.

Are there differences in US and UK medical English I should know?

Most terms are similar, but spelling may differ: diarrhea (US) vs. diarrhoea (UK); esophagus (US) vs. oesophagus (UK). “Shortness of breath” and “breathlessness” are both understood. When in doubt, choose the simpler phrase; clarity matters more than regional spelling.

Can I use analogies to explain unusual sensations?

Yes—comparisons are helpful when vocabulary is limited: “like a tight band around my head,” “like needles in my feet,” “like a heavy weight on my chest,” “like my heart is racing.” Add where it is, what triggers it, and how severe it is.

How should I report medication responses and allergies?

Say what you tried and how it worked: “Paracetamol (acetaminophen) relieved the pain from 7/10 to 3/10 for four hours.” For allergies, name the substance and reaction: “I’m allergic to penicillin; I get hives and swelling.” If unsure whether it’s an allergy or side effect, describe exactly what happened and when.

What’s a simple checklist I can bring to appointments?

Symptom: what it is (headache, cough, chest pressure)
Onset: when it started (date/time)
Quality: dull/sharp/burning/etc.
Location/Radiation: where and whether it spreads
Severity: 1–10 scale; mild/moderate/severe
Timing: constant vs. comes and goes; how long each episode lasts
Triggers/Relievers: exercise, food, posture, medicines
Associated symptoms: fever, nausea, shortness of breath, rash, etc.
Medications tried: name, dose, effect
Allergies: drugs/foods and reactions

How can I politely ask clinicians to confirm understanding?

Use phrases like: “Let me check if I understood correctly…,” “Could you please repeat the plan in simple terms?,” “Can you write down the dosage and schedule?,” “May I summarize what I will do at home?” This ensures accurate follow-up and safer self-care.

What should I do if symptoms change or worsen?

State the change clearly and provide timing: “Since last night, the pain increased from 4/10 to 8/10, and now it spreads to my left arm,” or “The fever returned after stopping the antibiotics.” If new red flags appear, seek urgent care and say so clearly at triage: “I have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.”

Final tip: How can I practice medical symptom English daily?

Keep a brief symptom journal in English (even when you feel well) to practice structure and vocabulary. Do role-plays with a partner: one is the patient, one is the clinician. Read your notes aloud to build fluency. Focus on clarity over complexity—short, specific sentences help clinicians help you.

Medical English: Complete Guide for Healthcare Professionals, Students, and Global Communication