In this article, we’ll cover essential vocabulary related to symptoms and conditions, along with useful phrases for discussing health concerns in Spanish.
1. General Vocabulary for Symptoms
Being able to describe specific symptoms allows for clear communication about discomfort or pain. Here are common symptoms in Spanish:
- Dolor – Pain
- Fiebre – Fever
- Tos – Cough
- Náuseas – Nausea
- Mareo – Dizziness
- Vómito – Vomit
- Dificultad para respirar – Difficulty breathing
- Fatiga – Fatigue
- Escalofríos – Chills
- Picazón – Itching
- Sangrado – Bleeding
- Pérdida de apetito – Loss of appetite
- Congestión – Congestion
- Erupción – Rash
2. Body-Specific Symptoms
Describing the location of a symptom can provide essential information for diagnosis. Here are terms for specific body areas and symptoms:
- Dolor de cabeza – Headache
- Dolor de garganta – Sore throat
- Dolor de estómago – Stomach ache
- Dolor en el pecho – Chest pain
- Dolor en las articulaciones – Joint pain
- Dolor en la espalda – Back pain
- Dificultad al orinar – Difficulty urinating
- Oído tapado – Clogged ear
3. Common Conditions in Spanish
Knowing terms for medical conditions in Spanish helps in describing chronic or recurring issues.
- Asma – Asthma
- Alergia – Allergy
- Diabetes – Diabetes
- Presión alta – High blood pressure
- Presión baja – Low blood pressure
- Gastritis – Gastritis
- Migraña – Migraine
- Infección – Infection
- Artritis – Arthritis
- Epilepsia – Epilepsy
4. Describing Severity and Frequency
When discussing symptoms or conditions, it’s also helpful to describe their severity or how often they occur:
- Leve – Mild
- Moderado/a – Moderate
- Severo/a – Severe
- Constante – Constant
- Intermitente – Intermittent
- Ocasional – Occasional
- Frecuente – Frequent
- Crónico/a – Chronic
- Agudo/a – Acute
5. Useful Phrases for Discussing Symptoms and Conditions
Here are a few phrases that are helpful when talking about symptoms with Spanish-speaking healthcare providers:
- “Tengo dolor de…” – I have pain in my…
- “Me siento mareado/a.” – I feel dizzy.
- “No puedo respirar bien.” – I can’t breathe well.
- “He tenido fiebre por dos días.” – I’ve had a fever for two days.
- “¿Es grave?” – Is it serious?
- “Necesito ayuda médica.” – I need medical help.
- “Tengo un historial de…” – I have a history of…
6. Practice Dialogues for Describing Symptoms in Spanish
To further help, here are a couple of example dialogues you can use or adapt in real-life situations:
Example 1: Stomach Pain
- Paciente: “Tengo un dolor fuerte en el estómago desde anoche.”
- (I have had strong stomach pain since last night.)
- Doctor/a: “¿Ha tenido fiebre o vómitos?”
- (Have you had a fever or vomiting?)
- Paciente: “Sí, he vomitado dos veces.”
- (Yes, I’ve vomited twice.)
Example 2: Difficulty Breathing
- Paciente: “Tengo dificultad para respirar, especialmente cuando hago ejercicio.”
- (I have difficulty breathing, especially when I exercise.)
- Doctor/a: “¿Tiene antecedentes de asma o alergias?”
- (Do you have a history of asthma or allergies?)
- Paciente: “Sí, tengo asma.”
- (Yes, I have asthma.)
7. Additional Vocabulary for Medical Visits
- Síntomas – Symptoms
- Diagnóstico – Diagnosis
- Receta médica – Prescription
- Tratamiento – Treatment
- Chequeo – Check-up
- Cita médica – Medical appointment
- Emergencia – Emergency
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with this vocabulary and practicing these phrases can make a significant difference in communicating your needs or understanding others when it comes to healthcare in Spanish-speaking environments.