Communicating Symptoms in Spanish: A Guide for Doctors

This guide provides essential phrases and vocabulary that can help doctors communicate symptoms accurately with their Spanish-speaking patients.

Key Symptom-Related Phrases in Spanish

Here are some common phrases that can help doctors ask about symptoms and better understand their patients’ health concerns:

Asking About General Symptoms

1. ¿Qué síntomas tiene? – What symptoms do you have?
2. ¿Dónde le duele? – Where does it hurt?
3. ¿Cuándo comenzó el dolor? – When did the pain start?
4. ¿Cuánto tiempo ha tenido estos síntomas? – How long have you had these symptoms?
5. ¿El dolor es constante o intermitente? – Is the pain constant or intermittent?

Describing Types of Pain

1. ¿Es un dolor agudo o sordo? – Is it a sharp or dull pain?
2. ¿Siente presión, ardor o punzadas? – Do you feel pressure, burning, or stabbing pain?
3. ¿El dolor se extiende a otra parte del cuerpo? – Does the pain radiate to another part of your body?
4. ¿El dolor empeora cuando hace algún movimiento? – Does the pain worsen with movement?

Inquiring About Common Symptoms

1. ¿Tiene fiebre? – Do you have a fever?
2. ¿Siente náuseas o ha vomitado? – Do you feel nauseous or have you vomited?
3. ¿Tiene mareos? – Do you feel dizzy?
4. ¿Tiene tos? – Do you have a cough?
5. ¿Siente falta de aire? – Are you experiencing shortness of breath?
6. ¿Ha tenido escalofríos? – Have you had chills?
7. ¿Siente fatiga o cansancio extremo? – Are you feeling fatigued or extremely tired?

Digestive Symptoms

1. ¿Tiene diarrea o estreñimiento? – Do you have diarrhea or constipation?
2. ¿Ha notado sangre en sus heces? – Have you noticed blood in your stool?
3. ¿Tiene gases o hinchazón abdominal? – Do you have gas or abdominal bloating?
4. ¿Ha perdido el apetito? – Have you lost your appetite?

Respiratory Symptoms

1. ¿Le duele al respirar? – Does it hurt to breathe?
2. ¿Ha tenido dificultad para respirar? – Have you had difficulty breathing?
3. ¿Siente congestión en el pecho? – Do you feel chest congestion?
4. ¿Siente presión en el pecho? – Do you feel pressure in your chest?

Neurological Symptoms

1. ¿Ha tenido dolores de cabeza? – Have you had headaches?
2. ¿Ha tenido convulsiones? – Have you had seizures?
3. ¿Ha tenido algún tipo de pérdida de memoria? – Have you experienced any memory loss?
4. ¿Siente entumecimiento o debilidad en alguna parte del cuerpo? – Do you feel numbness or weakness in any part of your body?

Other Useful Phrases for Symptom Communication

1. ¿Qué tan intenso es el dolor, del uno al diez? – How intense is the pain, on a scale from one to ten?
2. ¿Ha notado algún cambio en su salud últimamente? – Have you noticed any changes in your health recently?
3. ¿Hay algo que empeore o mejore sus síntomas? – Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse or better?

Culturally Sensitive Communication Tips

• Non-verbal cues: Pay attention to body language. In many Latin American cultures, patients may be hesitant to speak up about their symptoms or downplay them out of respect for the doctor.
• Empathy: Expressing empathy is important. Simple phrases like “Lo siento que esté pasando por esto” (I’m sorry that you’re going through this) can make patients feel more comfortable.
• Patience: Be patient, especially if the patient is struggling to explain their symptoms in Spanish. Use simple words and ask follow-up questions to clarify.

Improving Your Spanish Communication Skills

While knowing these essential phrases is a great starting point, continuous improvement is key. Here are a few ways doctors can enhance their Spanish communication skills:

1. Enroll in Medical Spanish Courses: There are numerous online and in-person courses tailored specifically for healthcare professionals.
2. Use Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo or Babbel have specialized content to help with medical terminology in Spanish.
3. Practice with Native Speakers: Practice with Spanish-speaking colleagues or patients to gain real-life experience.
4. Carry a Spanish-English Medical Dictionary: This can be helpful when you encounter unfamiliar words or need to explain something in detail.

Conclusion

Being able to communicate symptoms in Spanish not only helps in providing better care but also strengthens the doctor-patient relationship. Learning essential phrases and building on them over time will allow you to confidently assess and diagnose patients in a diverse and multilingual environment. Taking the time to understand your patient’s symptoms in their native language shows dedication and empathy, which are core values in the medical field.