Talking to the Doctor About a Stomach Ache

This lesson introduces learners to a typical conversation between a mom and a doctor about her child’s stomach ache. The dialogue includes questions about symptoms, possible causes, and advice on home care. Moms will learn useful phrases and vocabulary to describe stomach-related issues and understand a doctor’s recommendations.

Mom: Good morning, Doctor. My daughter has been complaining of a stomach ache since last night.
Doctor: Good morning! I see. Does she feel pain all the time, or does it come and go?
Mom: It comes and goes, but she says it feels worse after eating.
Doctor: Has she had any vomiting or diarrhea?
Mom: No, but she says she feels a little nauseous.
Doctor: I see. Let me check her stomach.

(The doctor gently presses on the child’s stomach.)

Doctor: Does it hurt more when I press here?
Mom: Yes, she says it feels uncomfortable.
Doctor: It might be indigestion or mild food poisoning. Has she eaten anything unusual?
Mom: She had fast food yesterday, but nothing else out of the ordinary.
Doctor: That could be the cause. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and eats light foods like rice and toast. If the pain gets worse or she develops a fever, bring her back immediately.
Mom: Should I give her any medicine?
Doctor: Not right now. Let her rest and see if the symptoms improve. If she feels worse, you can give her some children’s pain relief.
Mom: Okay, Doctor. Thank you so much for your help!
Doctor: You’re welcome! I hope she feels better soon.

Vocabulary List

  • Stomach ache [ˈstʌmək eɪk] (noun) – Pain or discomfort in the stomach.
    Example: “My daughter has a stomach ache after eating too much candy.”
  • Nauseous [ˈnɔːʃəs] (adjective) – Feeling like you might vomit.
    Example: “She feels nauseous after eating fried food.”
  • Indigestion [ˌɪndɪˈdʒɛstʃən] (noun) – Discomfort in the stomach due to difficulty digesting food.
    Example: “Spicy food gives me indigestion.”
  • Food poisoning [fuːd ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ] (noun) – Illness caused by eating contaminated food.
    Example: “He got food poisoning from eating spoiled seafood.”

Grammar Tips

  • Using “has” for recent past experiences
    Example: “Has she had any vomiting or diarrhea?”
    • “Has” + past participle is used to ask about recent experiences.
  • Using “should” for giving advice
    Example: “You should make sure she drinks plenty of water.”
    • “Should” is used to give recommendations or advice.

FILL IN THE BLANK

Doctor-Patient Conversation with Fill-in-the-Blanks

Mom: Good morning, Doctor! My son has been a lot lately. I’m a little worried.
Doctor: Good morning! I understand your concern. How long has he been ?
Mom: It started about three days ago. He also had a slight last night.
Doctor: I see. Has he had any trouble or chest pain?
Mom: No, just a lot of , especially at night.
Doctor: That’s good to hear. Let me check his temperature and listen to his breathing.

(The doctor checks the child’s temperature and uses a stethoscope to listen to his chest.)

Doctor: His temperature is a little high, but his lungs sound clear. It might just be a viral .
Mom: So, does he need any ?
Doctor: You can give him children’s paracetamol for the and make sure he drinks plenty of fluids. If the lasts more than three days or he has difficulty , bring him back.
Mom: Okay, I will. Should I keep him home from ?
Doctor: Yes, let him rest for a couple of days. It will help him recover faster and prevent others from getting .
Mom: Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your advice!
Doctor: You’re welcome! Take care, and I hope he feels better soon.