A Visit to the Paediatrician
Rahul develops a slight yellow tint to his skin. Anita takes him to the paediatrician, worried it might be jaundice.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Doctor, his skin looks a little yellow — is that normal?
- Answer It could be mild jaundice, which is common in newborns.
- Ask Do we need a blood test to confirm it?
- Answer Yes, a quick blood test will show his bilirubin levels.
- Ask Will he need any treatment?
- Answer If levels are high, we may recommend a day of phototherapy.
- Ask How long will it take for him to recover?
- Answer Most babies recover within a few days with proper care.
- Ask What's the correct dosage for these drops?
- Answer Give two drops, twice a day, after feeding.
- Ask When should we come for the follow-up visit?
- Answer Please come back in three days for a check.
- Ask How is his weight compared to last month?
- Answer The weight check shows he's growing nicely.
- Ask Should he continue the vitamin drops?
- Answer Yes, continue them daily until his next checkup.
- Ask Is his appetite normal for his age?
- Answer Yes, it looks completely normal.
- Ask What if he seems lethargic at home?
- Answer Bring him to the hospital right away.
Dialogue
AnitaDoctor, I noticed his skin and eyes look a bit yellow. Is that normal?
PaediatricianIt could be mild jaundice. Let's do a quick blood test to check his bilirubin levels.
VikramIs it serious?
PaediatricianUsually not — most newborns recover on their own or with a short course of phototherapy.
AnitaWhat should we watch for at home?
PaediatricianIf he becomes very sleepy or feeds poorly, bring him back immediately. Otherwise, follow up in three days.
VikramDoctor, could you also check his weight while we're here?
PaediatricianOf course. Let's put him on the scale for a quick weight check.
NurseHis weight is fine, and I'll mark it on his growth chart.
AnitaThat's a relief. We'll continue the vitamin drops and see you at the follow-up visit.
Common mistakes
- Saying "he has fever from yesterday" instead of "he has had a fever since yesterday."
- Saying "take the temperature" instead of "check his temperature" in everyday speech.
- Confusing "symptom" (a sign of illness) with "syndrome" (a group of symptoms).
- Saying "do the weight" instead of "check his weight" or "do a weight check."
- Saying "he is feeling lethargic" for extreme tiredness instead of the more common "he seems lethargic" in medical speech.
- Saying "give follow-up" instead of "come for a follow-up visit" or "schedule a follow-up."
Quick quiz
1. Yellowing of a newborn's skin is called ___.
2. A light-based treatment sometimes used for newborn jaundice is called ___.
3. Complete: "Give two drops, twice a day, according to the ___."
4. What does a "growth chart" track?
5. What word describes a baby who lacks energy and seems unusually tired?
6. What is a "follow-up visit"?
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