Explaining Allergies

Telling medical staff about your food or medicine allergies.

Nurse
¿Es alérgico a algún medicamento o alimento?
ehs ah-LEHR-hee-koh ah ahl-GOON meh-dee-kah-MEHN-toh oh ah-lee-MEHN-toh?
Are you allergic to any medication or food?
This is one of the first questions you'll be asked at any clinic or hospital. If male, say 'alérgico'; if female, say 'alérgica'.
You
Sí, soy alérgico a la penicilina y a los mariscos.
see, soy ah-LEHR-hee-koh ah lah peh-nee-see-LEE-nah ee ah lohs mah-REES-kohs.
Yes, I'm allergic to penicillin and shellfish.
Nurse
¿Qué le pasa cuando tiene una reacción alérgica?
keh leh PAH-sah KWAHN-doh tee-EH-neh OO-nah reh-ahk-see-OHN ah-LEHR-hee-kah?
What happens when you have an allergic reaction?
You
Se me hincha la garganta y no puedo respirar bien. Tengo un EpiPen en mi bolsa.
seh meh EEN-chah lah gahr-GAHN-tah ee noh PWEH-doh rehs-pee-RAHR bee-EHN. TEHN-goh oon EH-pee-pehn ehn mee BOHL-sah.
My throat swells up and I can't breathe well. I have an EpiPen in my bag.
If you carry an EpiPen or other emergency medication, learn how to say where it is. 'Mi bolsa' (my bag), 'mi mochila' (my backpack), 'mi maleta' (my suitcase).
Nurse
Entendido. Lo voy a anotar en su expediente. Es muy importante.
ehn-tehn-DEE-doh. loh voy ah ah-noh-TAHR ehn soo ehks-peh-dee-EHN-teh. ehs mooy eem-pohr-TAHN-teh.
Understood. I'll note it in your file. It's very important.