If you need to explain Cystic Fibrosis to people, there is a chance that you or someone you know has CF. Each explanation will be different, but there are a few things you can do to satisfactorily but quickly explain the disease to others.


Steps

1. Decide how much information you want to give the asker. If it's a close friend or relative, you may want to include more information than say an acquaintance that wonders why you cough or are sick a lot.
2. Once step 1 is done, start by saying something basic, such as "I was born with Cystic Fibrosis. It's a disease that I'll have until they find a cure." If the asker asks questions, obviously answer them.
3. Go back to step one, anad now decide how much information you want to give the asker. If I don't know people very well, I usually say, "It affects my respitory and digestive systems." However, some people, like a boyfriend or girlfriend deserve and need to know more. I might say "You know how I am sick from school so much? Well, usually it's because my stomach is hurting or my lungs have a flare-up because of CF. CF isn't contagious, but it's easier for me to catch a cold or virus, so if I feel sick, I try to rest at home."
4. Finally, if they seem interested, I ask them if they have any questions. I have gotten stuff from "Why do you take those pills when you eat?" to "Ew. Can I catch that gross cough you always have? Here, I'll just move back so you don't breathe on me!" (That last one took a lot of restraint to not cough on her and say " I dunno. Guess we'll find out!")

Tips

• Don't be afraid to tell people about your disease; however if you are uncomfortable telling people, you can be really brief.
• Some people won't understand, but don't worry about it.
• If a teacher ever gets upset by the number of days you miss because of CF, try to keep your calm. It's not easy, I know, but kindly and respectfully remind or tell them that you do have a disease that causes you to miss some school every once in awhile to keep healthy.
• If your friends ever research it and have facts wrong, tell them nicely, but be touched that they took the time to research something. Show that touchedness.

Warnings

• Never tell anybody that you feel may use it against you or tease you. It's not worth it.