Italian Phrases: Describing Symptoms

Ho la febbre alta.

I have a high fever.

Tell a doctor, pharmacist, or anyone you need help from. A clear and universal symptom description.

Ho il naso tappato.

I have a blocked/stuffy nose.

Describe nasal congestion to a doctor or pharmacist. Very common symptom with colds, allergies, and sinusitis.

Ho mal di gola.

I have a sore throat.

Describe sore throat to doctor, pharmacist, or when explaining why you cannot speak clearly.

Ho la tosse secca.

I have a dry cough.

Specify the type of cough when consulting a pharmacist or doctor — it determines the treatment.

Mi sento molto stanco senza motivo.

I feel very tired for no reason.

Report unexplained fatigue to a doctor. Fatigue lasting more than 2 weeks warrants investigation.

Ho dolori muscolari ovunque.

I have muscle pain everywhere.

Report generalised muscle pain to a doctor. Classic symptom of influenza, fibromyalgia, or viral illness.

Ho problemi digestivi. Sento bruciore di stomaco.

I have digestive problems. I feel heartburn.

Describe heartburn or acid reflux to a doctor or pharmacist. Very common complaint in Italy.

Ho la pressione alta.

I have high blood pressure.

Report hypertension to a doctor. Also say this if you are measuring at a pharmacy and the reading is high.

Mi prudono gli occhi e li ho rossi.

My eyes are itchy and red.

Describe eye allergy or conjunctivitis to a doctor or pharmacist. Important to distinguish cause for correct treatment.

Ho perso l'appetito.

I have lost my appetite.

Report loss of appetite to a doctor, especially if prolonged (more than 1-2 weeks) or combined with weight loss.

Ho problemi di memoria recenti.

I have been having recent memory problems.

Report new memory problems to a doctor. Especially important in older adults — early assessment is critical.

Ho formicolio alle mani.

I have tingling/numbness in my hands.

Report hand tingling or numbness to a doctor. Common causes include carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, cervical disc problems, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Ho le palpitazioni.

I have palpitations.

Report heart palpitations to a doctor. If sudden onset, severe, or with chest pain or fainting, go to A&E.

Ho le gambe gonfie.

I have swollen legs.

Report leg swelling to a doctor. Can indicate heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, lymphoedema, or chronic venous insufficiency.

Ho sangue nelle urine.

I have blood in my urine.

Report blood in urine (haematuria) to a doctor urgently. It is always a symptom that requires investigation, even if painless.

Ho difficoltà ad addormentarmi.

I have difficulty falling asleep.

Report insomnia to a doctor. Sleep problems lasting more than 4 weeks warrant professional assessment.

Ho un'eruzione cutanea.

I have a skin rash.

Describe a rash to a doctor or pharmacist. Describe location, appearance, and whether it is itchy, spreading, or linked to something new.

Ho la visione sdoppiata.

I have double vision.

Report double vision to a doctor urgently — it can indicate serious neurological or eye conditions requiring prompt evaluation.

Ho perso molto peso senza volere.

I have lost a lot of weight without wanting to.

Report unintentional weight loss to a doctor. More than 5% of body weight in 6 months without dieting is a red flag.

Ho notato un cambiamento nelle abitudini intestinali.

I have noticed a change in my bowel habits.

Report changes in bowel habits to a doctor — especially persistent changes (alternating constipation and diarrhoea, blood in stool, mucus) which can indicate colorectal cancer.

Ho difficoltà a urinare.

I have difficulty urinating.

Report urinary difficulties to a doctor. In men over 50, often indicates prostate problems. In women, can signal UTI or pelvic floor issues.

Ho tossito del sangue.

I coughed up blood.

Report haemoptysis to a doctor immediately — this is always a serious symptom requiring urgent investigation.

Ho il ventre gonfio.

I have a bloated/swollen abdomen.

Report abdominal bloating or swelling to a doctor. Distinguish between gas/bloating and actual fluid accumulation.

Ho un dolore al petto.

I have chest pain.

Report chest pain immediately to any healthcare provider. Always taken seriously in Italy — may trigger immediate ECG and evaluation.

Ho i linfonodi gonfi.

I have swollen lymph nodes.

Report swollen lymph nodes to a doctor, especially if they are hard, painless, and persistent for more than 2 weeks.

Ho difficoltà a inghiottire.

I have difficulty swallowing.

Report dysphagia to a doctor. New difficulty swallowing requires prompt investigation, especially in adults over 50.