I have cystic fibrosis (CF), a common genetic illness where the lungs produce excessive mucus and block both the respiratory and the digestive systems.

Thus, making it more difficult to breathe, digest foods, etc. I won't bore you with the little details so please don't bore me with your posts about needing prayers for your cold or stomach bug which is often mild enough to be left untreated.

Multiple times a day, cystic fibrosis patients take a cocktail of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, steroids, pancreatic enzymes, and bronchodilators, whereas you can take your one antihistamine and be fine.

People with such minor ailments don't seem to realize how they can come across as ignorant when they complain about such little things that other patients would happily welcome over a life-threatening illness. Your status update complaining about how badly pollen makes your eyes water is insensitive to someone who may not even have the energy nor lung capacity to walk outside to witness it. Not only is this true, but typing your symptoms for all of Facebook to see won't make them disappear.

Understandably, many people cannot relate to having cystic fibrosis so they may be unaware of how their posts may come across displaying said ignorance. However, instead of complaining about how awful you feel, appreciate what you have and realize that it could be much worse.

As a CF patient myself, I am happy to be able to say that even I recognize that it could be worse and am appreciative of what I have.

This probably stems from my late diagnosis at the age of 13. For 13 years I was able to live my life as an ordinary kid and was not given the opportunity to complain about my health mainly due to the fact that I did not know that there was anything wrong with me. Luckily there wasn't too much to complain about at the time other than shortness of breath and some mild digestive issues. Sure, coming in last during P.E. wasn't enjoyable but at least I have an explanation for it now.

But here's the thing: if I, someone with a life-threatening illness can look past this and be appreciative for what I have, someone with minor allergies can do the same.