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Describing Aches and Pains

Rahul has been ignoring a string of minor complaints — a nagging stomach ache, stiff knees, restless nights — and finally sits down with the doctor to describe each one clearly, instead of just saying he feels "not well."

Rahul, Doctor

Key words and phrases

stomach achepain in the stomachI've had a stomach ache since last night.
body achepain felt all over the bodyThe body ache made it hard for him to get out of bed.
sore throatpain or irritation in the throat, especially when swallowingA sore throat made it painful for him to swallow.
joint painpain in the knees, elbows, or other jointsHe has had joint pain in his knees for a few weeks.
back painpain in the back, often from sitting or liftingLong hours at the desk gave him constant back pain.
nauseaa feeling of sickness with an urge to vomitHe felt a wave of nausea after the bumpy car ride.
giddinessa dizzy, unsteady feelingHe felt a sudden giddiness when he stood up too fast.
loose motionsfrequent, watery bowel movementsHe has had loose motions since he ate at that roadside stall.
dry cougha cough that doesn't bring up any mucusA dry cough kept him awake most of the night.
runny nosea nose that keeps producing mucusA runny nose and watery eyes are common with this allergy.
chillsa feeling of coldness with shivering, often with a feverThe chills started an hour before his temperature rose.
loss of appetitenot feeling like eatingHis loss of appetite worried Priya more than the fever itself.
burning sensationa feeling of heat or burning on or inside the bodyHe described a burning sensation in his chest after meals.
mild painpain that is not very strongIt's just a mild pain, so I don't think it's serious.
severe painvery strong, intense painHe was doubled over with severe pain in his lower back.
stiffnessdifficulty moving a part of the body easilyHe woke up with stiffness in his neck and shoulders.
home remedya treatment made at home rather than bought from a shopHis grandmother suggested a home remedy for the cough.
rasha red, itchy patch that appears on the skinA rash appeared on his arm after he tried the new soap.
sprainan injury to a ligament caused by twisting it suddenlyHe got a sprain in his ankle while playing badminton.
aciditya burning discomfort in the stomach or chest caused by excess stomach acidSpicy food always gives him acidity at night.
fevera body temperature higher than normal, usually from illnessHe's had a mild fever since yesterday evening.
common colda mild viral illness causing a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throatIt's probably just a common cold, not anything serious.
sneezeto suddenly push air out through the nose and mouth, often from irritationHe's been sneezing all morning because of the dust.
headachea pain felt in the headI have a headache from staring at the screen too long.

Useful sentences

Dialogue

DoctorSo, Rahul, tell me everything that's been bothering you lately.

RahulWhere do I start — I've had a stomach ache and acidity almost every night.

DoctorAny body ache or joint pain along with that?

RahulYes, my knees have had this stiffness and joint pain for weeks now.

DoctorAnd how have you been sleeping? Any giddiness or nausea?

RahulA little giddiness in the mornings, but no nausea.

DoctorHave you had a cough, a runny nose, or a sore throat recently?

RahulJust a dry cough on and off, nothing major.

DoctorAlright. Let's run a few tests instead of guessing from a home remedy.

RahulThat sounds sensible — I've been ignoring all this for too long.

Common mistakes

Quick quiz

1. What is the correct way to say your stomach hurts?

2. What does "giddiness" mean?

3. Complete: "My body ___ for two days."

4. What is a "dry cough"?

5. What is "acidity"?

6. Which sentence correctly describes feeling like vomiting?

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