Page 57 - Binder - English for Doctors

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C. Language Focus

Explaining Diagnosis II

1. I'm afraid (that) it's a little more complicated than we thought.

I’m sorry to say it’s a little more complex

It’s possible you have an ulcer.

2. There is a possibility that you have an ulcer.

You might have insomnia.
I’m afraid you might

It seems that you do indeed have slightly abnormal levels of stomach acid.
3. It would seem that you have slightly abnormal levels of stomach acid.

It’s likely that you have slightly abnormal levels of stomach acid.

Tips for giving the diagnosis

As doctors, you can use some expressions to console patients. For example:
Don't worry about that. It’s quite a common condition and should clear up in a week or
so.

This is not a serious condition. These tablets should help.

D. Exercises

1. Match the following words and their definitions.

a. side effect b. duodenum c. ulcer d. kidney e. abdomen
f. abnormal g. diet h. routine i. gastro-enteritis j. complex

1. not normal ___

2. regularly occurring ___
3. diseased condition causing stomach acid ___

4. first part of the small intestine ___
5. immediately below the stomach ___