How to Explain Symptoms Clearly to a Doctor (English + Simple Indonesian Phrases)
Clear communication is essential for effective healthcare. Whether you are living in Bali, visiting as a tourist, or an expatriate, being able to describe your symptoms accurately helps doctors and nurses diagnose and treat you faster and more effectively. For many, language barriers can make this challenging. At Trishnanda Care Centre, our English-speaking doctors and nurses are available 24/7 and offer mobile healthcare across the island to ensure you receive quality care wherever you are. In this guide, we teach you how to clearly explain your symptoms in English, with simple Indonesian phrases to use when needed.
Why Clear Symptom Description Matters
Accurate symptom description is fundamental for correct diagnosis. According to reputable medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic and NHS, much of a correct diagnosis comes from the patient’s own narrative. When patients share clear, specific information about what they are experiencing, doctors can:
• Identify possible causes faster
• Order only relevant tests (saving time and money)
• Suggest the most effective treatments or interventions
• Reduce risk of misdiagnosis
This is especially important in settings like Bali, where tropical diseases (like dengue), travel illnesses (such as Bali Belly), or dehydration are common. Your ability to communicate well could affect how quickly you recover.
How to Prepare Before Speaking to a Doctor
Make a Symptom Checklist
• Main complaint: What is bothering you the most?
• Onset: When did it start? Did it come on suddenly or gradually?
• Duration: How long has it been going on?
• Severity: How bad is it? (Mild/Moderate/Severe)
• Associated symptoms: Any other problems? (e.g., fever, nausea, rash)
• Aggravating/relieving factors: Does anything make it better or worse?
• Treatments tried: Have you taken any medicines or home remedies?
If you are using Trishnanda Care Centre’s doctor-on-call service, having this information ready will help our team assist you more efficiently. For in-villa visits or online consultations, you can also send photos of visible symptoms (rashes, swelling, etc.).
Simple Indonesian Phrases for Preparation:
• “Saya merasa sakit di…” – I feel pain in…
• “Sudah berapa lama?” – How long has it been?
• “Gejala lain?” – Any other symptoms?
The Most Important Symptoms to Describe
Pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. Being specific helps the doctor pinpoint the cause. Describe:
• Location: Where exactly does it hurt?
• Type: Is it sharp, dull, throbbing, burning?
• Intensity: On a scale of 1–10, how bad is it?
• Timing: Is it constant or does it come and go?
Phrases in English & Indonesian:
• “The pain is here.” – Sakitnya di sini.
• “It started yesterday.” – Sakit mulai kemarin.
• “It’s sharp pain.” – Sakitnya seperti ditusuk.
• “It gets worse when I move.” – Sakit bertambah saat saya bergerak.
Fever and Chills
If you have a fever (especially in Bali), mention if you also have chills, sweating, or body aches. This could help identify infections like dengue or flu.
• “I have a fever.” – Saya demam.
• “I feel cold/shivery.” – Saya merasa kedinginan/gemetar.
• “I have body aches.” – Saya pegal-pegal.
If fever is persistent or high (>38°C), consider professional evaluation. Our doctors can visit your villa for assessment and offer supportive care such as our dedicated
Fever IV Therapy package.
Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea (Bali Belly)
Bali Belly is a frequent issue for travelers. Important details include frequency of vomiting/diarrhea, presence of blood/mucus, associated stomach pain, and if you can keep fluids down.
• “I feel nauseous.” – Saya mual.
• “I have diarrhea.” – Saya diare.
• “There is blood in my stool/vomit.” – Ada darah di tinja/muntahan saya.
• “I can’t eat or drink.” – Saya tidak bisa makan/minum.
If symptoms are severe or persistent, dehydration can occur rapidly. Trishnanda Care Centre offers rapid mobile support for Bali Belly, including
IV therapies for mothers with Bali Belly, Hydration IVs, and symptomatic relief packages. Our team delivers these treatments free island-wide at your location for convenience and safety.
Coughs, Sore Throat & Breathing Problems
If you have coughs or difficulty breathing, describe if it’s dry or productive (with phlegm), presence of chest pain, breathlessness at rest vs activity, and any wheezing sounds.
• “I have a cough.” – Saya batuk.
• “It hurts when I breathe.” – Sakit saat bernafas.
• “I feel short of breath.” – Saya sesak nafas.
• “There is phlegm/mucus.” – Ada dahak/lendirnya.
If your cough is accompanied by high fever or shortness of breath at rest, prompt assessment is important. Our mobile doctors can bring necessary equipment and even offer Flu IV therapy support, especially if flu-like symptoms are present. If you suspect COVID-19 exposure or need testing/recovery support, COVID recovery IV therapy packages are also available here.
Rashes and Skin Issues
If you notice new rashes or skin changes (common with dengue fever or allergies), describe the appearance:
• Color and size:
• Itchy/painful:
• Painless spots vs blisters vs swelling:
• Date first noticed:
• “I have a rash.” – Saya ada ruam di kulit.
• “It’s itchy.” – Saya gatal-gatal.
• “It started two days ago.” – Muncul sejak dua hari lalu.
If rash appears with fever or severe pain/swelling,
our team can perform bedside blood tests for dengue (Dengue IV Therapy support here) or other illnesses right at your villa. For tattoo after-care issues,
specialized IV therapy support is available as well here.
The Key Information Your Doctor Needs To Know
Your Medical History & Medications
Your doctor may ask about past illnesses (especially chronic diseases like diabetes or asthma), allergies (drug/food/environmental), and current medications.
Bring a list if possible. If unsure in Indonesian:
• “Saya alergi obat …” — I am allergic to … medicine.
• “Saya punya riwayat …” — I have a history of … (e.g., diabetes = diabetes).
Your Recent Travel & Contacts
Mention if you have recently traveled outside Bali or had contact with anyone ill. This helps with risk assessment for infectious diseases such as COVID-19,
dengue, or food poisoning. If relevant, our mobile team can perform testing services in-villa for STDs, dengue NS1, thyroid panels, and more here.
Simple Indonesian Symptom Phrases Cheat Sheet For Visitors & Expats
• I feel dizzy — Saya pusing.
• I am tired — Saya lelah/capek.
• I vomited — Saya muntah.
• I have back pain — Saya sakit punggung.
• I am bleeding — Saya berdarah.
• I have stomach pain — Saya sakit perut.
• I cannot sleep — Saya susah tidur.
• I am pregnant — Saya sedang hamil.
• I want to see a doctor — Saya mau ketemu dokter.
• Please help me — Tolong bantu saya.
• I need medicine — Saya butuh obat.
• I have an allergy — Saya punya alergi.
• I feel weak — Badan saya lemas.
• No appetite — Tidak nafsu makan.
• I am sweating a lot — Saya banyak berkeringat.
• I am shaking — Saya gemetar.
• Bowel movements are watery — BAB cair.
• I cannot urinate — Tidak bisa kencing.
• I need an ambulance — Saya butuh ambulans.
You can show these phrases on your phone when speaking with local healthcare staff if needed. At Trishnanda Care Centre our doctors and nurses speak English fluently so you don’t need to worry about language barriers during our consultations day or night!
Troubleshooting: What To Do If You’re Unsure How To Explain Your Symptoms?
If you’re anxious about describing your symptoms correctly:
• Pace yourself: Take a moment before consultation to write down key points about how you’re feeling.
• Use photos/videos: If it’s hard to describe swelling/rashes/coughing episodes visually document them on your phone.
• Avoid self-diagnosis: Describe what you feel not what you think the diagnosis might be.
• If stuck for words: Use simple descriptive words: hot/cold/sore/burning/throbbing/swollen etc.
• If it’s an emergency: Call right away our team can dispatch a mobile doctor/nurse anywhere in Bali around-the-clock.
All Trishnanda Care Centre team members are trained to gently guide clients through symptom description even if English isn’t your first language.
For urgent concerns our doctor-on-call service operates island-wide,
24/7—including holidays here.
The Trishnanda Care Centre Advantage: Accessible Island-Wide Mobile Healthcare With Free Delivery
No matter where you stay in Bali from Ubud villas to Seminyak hotels Trishnanda Care Centre provides fast,
professional medical help wherever you need us. Our services include:
• Mobile doctor-on-call consultations
• Nurse visits
• In-villa lab tests & vaccinations
• Mobile IV therapy packages (Immunity, Hydration, Hangover, Jetlag, Iron, Myers, Covid-Recovery, Food Intolerance, Fever, Tattoo after-care & more)
• All with free home delivery island-wide
• All services available English-speaking, any time 24 hours a day
• Direct WhatsApp booking for rapid response
Ready to book?
Contact us anytime via WhatsApp using the link below we’re always here for you:
WhatsApp Trishnanda Care Centre Now For Rapid Mobile Healthcare Support In Bali!
This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.