When the Baby Is Unwell
Rahul has been unusually fussy — not sleeping well, vomiting after feeds, and running a slight fever. Anita takes him to the paediatrician, who also checks him for jaundice.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask Why hasn't he been sleeping well these past two nights?
- Answer It could be the fever making him uncomfortable.
- Ask Is it normal for him to vomit after every feed?
- Answer A little spit-up is normal, but frequent vomiting needs a check-up.
- Ask Does he show any signs of jaundice?
- Answer His skin does look a little yellow, let's get it checked.
- Ask How high is his fever right now?
- Answer His temperature is about a hundred degrees.
- Ask Should we consult a doctor immediately?
- Answer Yes, especially since he seems dehydrated too.
- Ask Has he lost his appetite too?
- Answer Yes, he has been refusing his feeds since yesterday.
- Ask Is that rash on his back anything to worry about?
- Answer It looks mild, but let's keep an eye on it.
- Ask What should I do about the diarrhoea?
- Answer Give him small sips of fluids often to keep him hydrated.
- Ask He seems lethargic today, is that normal?
- Answer It's common when unwell, but tell me if he doesn't improve by tomorrow.
- Ask When will his condition start to improve?
- Answer With proper rest and the right medicine dose, he should improve in a couple of days.
Dialogue
AnitaDoctor, he hasn't been sleeping well and he's been vomiting after feeds.
PaediatricianLet me check him. Has he had a fever too?
AnitaYes, a mild one since this morning, and he seems quite fussy.
PaediatricianI also notice a slight yellow tinge, this could be mild jaundice.
AnitaIs that serious, doctor?
PaediatricianUsually not, but let's do a quick test and keep him well hydrated in the meantime.
AnitaShould I give him any medicine for the fever right now?
PaediatricianI'll write a prescription with the correct medicine dose for his weight.
AnitaWhen should I bring him back for a check-up?
PaediatricianIf he doesn't improve in two days, bring him straight back.
Common mistakes
- Saying "baby is not well sleeping" instead of "the baby is not sleeping well."
- Saying "he vomits the milk" instead of "he vomited the milk" or "he brought up the milk" when describing a specific past event.
- Saying "he has jaundice disease" instead of simply "he has jaundice" — jaundice already refers to the condition itself.
- Saying "he has loose motions" as a casual translation without realising "diarrhoea" is the standard medical term doctors expect.
- Saying "give the dose of medicine" instead of "give the medicine dose" or simply "give him his medicine."
- Saying "he is lazy today" instead of "he seems lethargic today" when the baby is unwell, not simply inactive by nature.
Quick quiz
1. What is "jaundice"?
2. What does "dehydrated" mean?
3. Complete: "It's best to ___ if symptoms continue."
4. What does "lethargic" mean?
5. What should you follow carefully when giving a baby medicine?
6. Complete: "Give him small sips of fluids to keep him ___."
Practise speaking and listening
The free Day to Day English app turns every lesson into practice with audio, a story you follow and more than 1680 words to learn.