Common OET phrases and vocabulary related to symptoms and patient complaints:
🩺 Common Patient Symptom Phrases
General Symptoms
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I’ve been feeling tired / exhausted / run down.
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I have a loss of appetite.
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I feel dizzy / lightheaded / faint.
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I’m having trouble sleeping / insomnia.
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I’ve noticed some weight loss / gain recently.
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I feel short of breath.
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I’ve been sweating a lot at night.
Pain-related Phrases
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I’m having stomach cramps.
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I have a sharp / dull / throbbing pain in my ___ (e.g., lower back).
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It feels like a burning / stabbing / aching pain.
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The pain comes and goes / is constant.
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The pain radiates to my ___ (e.g., shoulder, chest).
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On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain is around ___.
Digestive Symptoms
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I feel bloated.
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I’ve been vomiting / throwing up.
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I have diarrhoea / constipation.
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I feel nauseous / sick to my stomach.
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I’ve noticed blood in my stool / vomit.
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I have heartburn / indigestion.
Respiratory Symptoms
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I have a cough / sore throat / runny nose.
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I’m wheezing when I breathe.
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I’m finding it hard to catch my breath.
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I have chest tightness / congestion.
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I’m bringing up phlegm / mucus.
Urinary / Reproductive Symptoms
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I feel a burning sensation when urinating.
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I’m passing urine frequently.
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There’s blood in my urine.
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I’ve missed my period.
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I have cramps / lower abdominal pain.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
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I have joint stiffness / swelling.
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My muscles feel sore / tender.
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I’ve noticed limited movement in my ___ (e.g., shoulder).
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I feel a pull / strain / sprain.
