Nasal congestion, a common ailment, frequently appears in IELTS listening and reading sections, particularly in contexts related to health and lifestyle. Understanding this term and its associated vocabulary can be beneficial for achieving a higher band score.
Here are some synonyms for “nasal congestion”:
- Stuffy nose: (noun) /ˌstʌfi ˈnoʊz/ – A condition where the nose is blocked, making it difficult to breathe.
Example: I woke up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat. - Blocked nose: (noun) /blɒkt ˈnəʊz/ – Similar to a stuffy nose, indicating difficulty breathing through the nose.
Example: A cold often causes a blocked nose. - Congested sinuses: (noun) /kənˈdʒestɪd ˈsaɪnəsəz/ – Inflammation and blockage of the sinuses, often causing facial pain and pressure.
Example: My congested sinuses are giving me a headache.
Here are some antonyms for “nasal congestion”:
- Clear nose: (noun) /klɪə(r) ˈnəʊz/ – The opposite of a congested nose, indicating easy breathing.
Example: After using the nasal spray, I finally had a clear nose. - Unblocked: (adjective) /ˌʌnˈblɒkt/ – Free from any obstruction, allowing for easy airflow.
Example: With my nose unblocked, I could finally smell the flowers.
Using “Nasal Congestion” in the IELTS Exam
Listening Section:
“Nasal congestion” might appear in dialogues between doctors and patients or in lectures about health. For instance, you might hear:
- “The patient presented with symptoms including cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.”
- “One common side effect of this medication is nasal congestion.”
Reading Section:
In reading passages related to health, you might encounter sentences like:
- “Nasal congestion can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies and infections.”
- “Researchers are developing new treatments to alleviate nasal congestion and improve sleep quality.”
Example of “Nasal Congestion” in an IELTS Question
Listening Section – Multiple Choice
Question: What is the main symptom the patient is experiencing?
Audio: “Well, doctor, I’ve been feeling quite unwell. My nose is completely blocked up, and I can barely breathe through it. I also have a bit of a headache.”
Options:
a) Sore throat
b) Nasal congestion
c) Fever
d) Cough
Explanation: The patient clearly describes a blocked nose, which is synonymous with “nasal congestion”.
Collocations with “Nasal Congestion”
- Severe nasal congestion: /sɪˈvɪə(r) ˈneɪzəl kənˈdʒestʃən/ – Indicates a serious blockage, potentially hindering daily activities.
Example: The doctor prescribed a strong decongestant for my severe nasal congestion. - Chronic nasal congestion: /ˈkrɒnɪk ˈneɪzəl kənˈdʒestʃən/ – Refers to long-term nasal blockage, often requiring ongoing treatment.
Example: He suffered from chronic nasal congestion due to allergies. - Relieve nasal congestion: /rɪˈliːv ˈneɪzəl kənˈdʒestʃən/ – To reduce or eliminate the blockage in the nose.
Example: Saline solutions can help relieve nasal congestion.
Idioms and Expressions Related to “Nasal Congestion”
While there isn’t a specific idiom for “nasal congestion,” you can use expressions like:
- “Can’t breathe through my nose”: A common way to describe nasal congestion informally.
Example: “I have such a bad cold, I can’t breathe through my nose!” - “Sounding stuffed up”: Describes the voice change that often accompanies nasal congestion.
Example: “You sound stuffed up! Do you need a tissue?”
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary related to “nasal congestion” is valuable for succeeding in the IELTS exam. Understanding its synonyms, antonyms, and typical contexts will equip you to effectively answer questions and demonstrate your English proficiency. Remember to practice using these terms in context to enhance your vocabulary and improve your IELTS score.