Health & Body

Medical and health collocations for describing symptoms and wellbeing

Introduction

When you're ill, using the right collocations can make the difference between clear communication and confusion. We "catch a cold" not "get a cold", have a "splitting headache" not a "breaking headache". These combinations are crucial for medical situations.

This chapter covers health-related collocations from common ailments to fitness, helping you describe symptoms, treatments, and wellbeing naturally.

Themes

All Collocations in This Chapter (28)

• catch a cold To become infected with a common cold virus
• splitting headache An extremely severe, painful headache
• sprained ankle An ankle injury where the ligaments have been stretched or torn
• high blood pressure A medical condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consiste...
• lose weight To become lighter in body mass, typically through diet or exercise
• gain weight To become heavier in body mass
• side effects Unwanted secondary effects of a drug or medical treatment
• mental health A person's psychological and emotional wellbeing
• immune system The body's natural defence network that protects against disease and infection
• chronic pain Pain that persists for a long time, typically longer than three months
• blocked nose A nose that is congested and difficult to breathe through
• sore throat A painful, inflamed throat that hurts when swallowing
• upset stomach A stomach that feels uncomfortable, often with nausea, pain, or indigestion
• food allergy An adverse immune reaction to a particular type of food
• health insurance Insurance that covers medical expenses and healthcare costs
• sharp pain A sudden, intense, stabbing pain
• dull ache A steady, low-level pain that persists over time
• healthy diet A pattern of eating that promotes good health and wellbeing
• physical exercise Bodily activity that improves or maintains fitness and health
• first aid Emergency medical treatment given immediately after an injury or sudden illness
• deep breath A long, full inhalation of air, filling the lungs completely
• fast heartbeat A heart that is beating more rapidly than normal
• runny nose A nose that is producing excess mucus, constantly dripping
• hay fever An allergic reaction to pollen causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose
• common cold A mild viral infection of the nose and throat with symptoms like sneezing, co...
• painkillers Medication that reduces or eliminates pain
• stiff neck A neck that is painful and difficult to move, usually from sleeping badly or ...
• blurred vision Eyesight that is unclear, fuzzy, or out of focus