Spanish - Doctor Visit

Tengo ___ desde hace ___ días.

I've been having ___ for ___ days.

Meaning: I've been having ___ for ___ days.

When to use: Say this when you want to describe how long a symptom has lasted (what and how many days).

Tip: Don't drop 'desde hace' — saying only 'hace tres días' can be unclear in this structure.

Empezó hace ___.

It started ___ ago.

Meaning: It started ___ ago.

When to use: Use to say when the symptom began (e.g., 'hace dos días', 'hace una semana').

Me duele ___.

The pain is in my ___.

Meaning: The pain is in my ___.

When to use: Use to tell the doctor the location of the pain (include the article with body part: 'la cabeza', 'el estómago').

Tip: Remember to include the article: say 'me duele la cabeza', not 'me duele cabeza'.

Es leve, pero no se me quita.

It's mild, but it doesn't go away.

Meaning: It's mild, but it doesn't go away.

When to use: Say this when a symptom is not severe but is persistent and bothers you.

Está empeorando.

It's getting worse.

Meaning: It's getting worse.

When to use: Use this to report that a symptom is intensifying over time.

Creo que tengo fiebre.

I think I have a fever.

Meaning: I think I have a fever.

When to use: Say this if you suspect your temperature is high or you feel feverish.

¿Cada cuánto debo tomar este medicamento?

How often should I take this medicine?

Meaning: How often should I take this medicine?

When to use: Ask this when a doctor or pharmacist gives you medicine and you need dosing frequency.

¿Cuánto tardaré en sentirme mejor?

How long will it take to feel better?

Meaning: How long will it take to feel better?

When to use: Use this to ask about expected recovery time after diagnosis or treatment.

Tengo alergia a ___.

I'm allergic to ___.

Meaning: I'm allergic to ___.

When to use: Tell the doctor or pharmacist about medication or substance allergies; fill the blank with the allergen.

Tip: Avoid saying only 'soy alérgico' without stating the substance — say 'tengo alergia a...' and name it.

¿Es algo grave?

Is it something serious?

Meaning: Is it something serious?

When to use: Ask the doctor whether the symptom or diagnosis is severe and requires urgent care.

Me duele cuando ___ .

It hurts when I ___ .

Meaning: It hurts when I ___.

When to use: Use this to describe an action that triggers or increases the pain (e.g., 'cuando respiro', 'cuando corro').

Me siento ___ cuando ___ .

I feel ___ when I ___ .

Meaning: I feel ___ when I ___.

When to use: Use to explain how you physically react in a situation (e.g., 'me siento mareado cuando me levanto').

El dolor va y viene.

The pain comes and goes.

Meaning: The pain comes and goes.

When to use: Say this to describe a pain that is intermittent rather than constant.