Inquiring About Allergy Medications
A customer is experiencing allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy eyes) and asks the pharmacist to recommend an effective over-the-counter allergy medication.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
allergies
A medical condition that causes symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes, often triggered by pollen, dust, or food. Use it when describing health issues: 'I have allergies in spring.'
itchy
Describes a skin or eye sensation that makes you want to scratch. Common for allergies: 'My eyes are itchy from pollen.'
sneezing
The act of suddenly forcing air out through your nose and mouth, often due to allergies or colds. Say: 'I can't stop sneezing.'
over-the-counter
Medications you can buy directly from a store without a doctor's prescription. Useful in pharmacies: 'Do you have over-the-counter pain relievers?'
symptoms
Signs or feelings that show you are sick or have a condition, like a headache or fever. Ask: 'What are the symptoms?'
seasonal
Happening during specific times of the year, like seasonal allergies in spring. Example: 'I get seasonal flu every winter.'
runny nose
When liquid mucus flows from your nose, often from colds or allergies. Describe it as: 'I have a runny nose today.'
non-drowsy
Describes medicine that does not make you feel sleepy. Important for daily use: 'I need a non-drowsy allergy pill.'
recommend
To suggest something as the best choice. In advice situations: 'I recommend this brand for headaches.'
effective
Something that works well to produce a desired result, like an effective medicine. Say: 'This cream is effective against itching.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm looking for something for allergies.
This is a polite way to start a conversation in a store or pharmacy. 'Excuse me' gets attention, and 'I'm looking for something for [problem]' specifies what you need. Use it when seeking help for health issues.
How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
This question uses present perfect continuous ('have been experiencing') to ask about the duration of an ongoing situation. It's useful for doctors or pharmacists to understand how serious the problem is.
Just since yesterday, but they seem to be getting worse.
This describes when symptoms started ('just since yesterday') and their progression ('getting worse' uses present continuous for ongoing change). Helpful for explaining health conditions clearly.
Are you experiencing any other symptoms, like a runny nose or congestion?
A yes/no question with examples ('like a runny nose') to gather more details. The present continuous ('are experiencing') shows current actions. Use this pattern when asking for more information in consultations.
I'd recommend something like Zyrtec or Allegra.
'I'd recommend' is a polite way to suggest options, using 'would' for hypothetical advice. 'Something like' means similar to examples. This is practical for giving or receiving recommendations in stores.
Which one do you think is stronger for the itching?
This asks for an opinion and comparison using 'which one' and 'do you think' for personal views. 'Stronger for [purpose]' compares effectiveness. Useful when choosing between products.
You're welcome. Remember to read the directions on the package carefully.
'You're welcome' responds to thanks politely. 'Remember to [verb]' gives advice with infinitive form. This closing sentence reminds about safety and invites more questions, common in service dialogues.