Describing Symptoms at the Pharmacy in Spanish

Opening Scene: Why Pharmacy Spanish Is Its Own Dialect

Ordering a coffee or booking a hotel tests your vocabulary; explaining that the rash on your arm started two days ago and now itches “like crazy” tests your composure. Pharmacists in Spanish‑speaking countries often act as first‑line healthcare providers—diagnosing minor ailments, recommending over‑the‑counter remedies, and occasionally flagging conditions that need a doctor. Clear communication prevents misdiagnosis and ensures you leave with the right product, dosage, and instructions. This guide arms you with phrases that bridge the gap between “I feel bad” and a specific, actionable description. If you’re looking at a more interactive approach, try our friends over at Expat Ally.

Document Prep: Medical Cheat‑Sheet in Your Wallet

Before diving into scripts, create a one‑page paper with your allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications in Spanish. Handing it over can save time if anxiety scrambles your speech. Mine reads:

Alergias: penicilina, mariscos / Condiciones crónicas: hipertensión (controlada), migrañas / Medicamentos actuales: losartán 50 mg al día.

Translation:
Allergies: penicillin, shellfish / Chronic conditions: hypertension (controlled), migraines / Current meds: losartan 50 mg daily.

Entering the Pharmacy: Greetings and Set‑Up Phrases

Politeness primes the conversation. I walk to the counter, smile, and start with a greeting.

Spanish: Buenos días, disculpe la molestia.
English: Good morning, excuse the bother.

Then I frame my need.

Spanish: Me gustaría hablar con el farmacéutico; tengo unos síntomas desde ayer.
English: I’d like to speak with the pharmacist; I’ve had some symptoms since yesterday.

Mentioning ayer (yesterday) instantly signals timeline, something pharmacists use to gauge severity.

Symptom Vocabulary: Building Blocks for Any Complaint

Below are core Spanish symptom words paired with concise English translations. They appear later in full sentences, but previewing them helps recognition.

Notice adjectives like punzante versus nouns like picazón. Mixing them properly transforms generic statements into diagnostic clues.

Crafting the Core Sentence: “I Have…”

Spanish prefers tengo (I have) for symptoms; reserve estoy (I am) for temporary states like estoy mareado (I’m dizzy). Combine nouns and adjectives with tengo:

Spanish: Tengo dolor punzante en el costado derecho desde anoche.
English: I have sharp pain in my right side since last night.

Timeline can be expressed with desde (since) + specific point or hace (for) + duration.

Spanish: Tengo fiebre alta hace dos días.
English: I’ve had a high fever for two days.

Detailing Pain Location and Intensity

Body parts appear after en el/la… while intensity uses leve, moderado, or intenso.

Spanish: Me duele de forma intensa en la parte baja de la espalda.
English: It hurts intensely in my lower back.

Alternatively, numeric scale:

Spanish: En una escala del uno al diez, el dolor es un siete.
English: On a scale of one to ten, the pain is a seven.

Describing Onset and Triggers

Pharmacists ask “¿Cuándo empezó?” (When did it start?). Answer with:

Spanish: Empezó ayer después de comer mariscos.
English: It started yesterday after eating shellfish.

If something worsens the condition:

Spanish: Empeora cuando respiro profundo.
English: It gets worse when I breathe deeply.

Common Pharmacy Scenarios and Full Dialogues

1. Headache and Sinus Pressure

You: Buenas tardes. Tengo dolor sordo detrás de los ojos y congestión nasal hace tres días.
Pharmacist: ¿Presenta fiebre o secreción con color?
(Do you have fever or colored discharge?)
You: No fiebre, solo goteo nasal transparente.
(No fever, just clear runny nose.)
Pharmacist: Le recomiendo un descongestionante oral y un spray salino. ¿Alguna alergia a pseudoefedrina?
You: Ninguna.

Outcome: walk out with descongestionante (decongestant) and saline spray.

2. Stomach Cramps After Street Food

You: Disculpe, me duele el estómago y tengo náuseas desde anoche. Comí empanadas en la calle.
Pharmacist: ¿Ha tenido vómitos o diarrea?
(Have you had vomiting or diarrhea?)
You: Diarrea líquida, pero sin sangre.
(Liquid diarrhea, but no blood.)
Pharmacist: Le sugiero sales de rehidratación y loperamida. Tome un sobre de sales en un litro de agua.

3. Allergic Skin Rash

You: Tengo una erupción con picazón en los brazos. Empezó esta mañana después de nadar.
Pharmacist: ¿Alguna alergia conocida?
You: A la penicilina.
Pharmacist: Entonces evitemos cremas con antibiótico. Le doy una crema antihistamínica y hidrocortisona suave.
You: ¿Cuántas veces al día la aplico?
Pharmacist: Tres veces diarias en capa fina.

Each dialogue embeds timeline, severity, and next steps so the pharmacist can recommend appropriately.

Dosage and Administration Questions

Understanding instructions ensures compliance. Ask if uncertain:

Spanish: ¿Cada cuántas horas debo tomar la pastilla?
English: How many hours apart should I take the pill?

If liquid:

Spanish: ¿La suspensión se toma con o sin alimentos?
English: Is the suspension taken with or without food?

When told “una cucharada” clarify spoon size:

Spanish: ¿Cucharada sopera o cucharadita?
English: Tablespoon or teaspoon?

Red‑Flag Phrases: When Pharmacists Send You to a Doctor

Some Spanish cues mean “medical facility now.” Listen for:

• “Le aconsejo acudir a urgencias.” – I advise you to go to the ER.
• “Esto requiere receta médica.” – This requires a prescription.
• “Podría ser algo más serio.” – It could be something more serious.

If you hear these, thank them and head to a clinic.

Cultural Nuances: Tú vs. Usted and Local Variants

In Spain, pharmacists may use tú if you are young; reciprocate accordingly. In Latin America, default to usted for respect.

Vocabulary shifts regionally: jeringa (syringe) in Mexico is jeringuilla in Spain. Gripa (common cold) in Colombia equals resfriado elsewhere. Listen, then mirror local terms.

Payment and Insurance Language

If paying cash:

Spanish: ¿Cuánto es todo? ¿Me puede dar la factura, por favor?
English: How much is everything? Can I have the invoice, please?

Social insurance?
“¿Aceptan seguro ARS?” in the Dominican Republic or “¿Puedo pasar la tarjeta de la seguridad social?” in Spain.

If you’re interested in open a bank account, check out this article.

Quick Reference Mini‑Glossary

Final Reflection: Fluent Empathy Beats Perfect Grammar

Pharmacists care more about accurate data than flawless conjugation. Speak slowly, maintain eye contact, and show gratitude. Every real‑world pharmacy exchange refines your vocabulary far better than any app. The next time you feel feverish at 2 a.m. in a coastal town with no Wi‑Fi, you will not curse your dead phone battery—you will trust the Spanish living in your head.

Salud, y que tus síntomas encuentren alivio pronto.