Coping With Breathlessness in Individuals With Lung Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

CONTEXT: Breathlessness in lung disease profoundly disrupts daily life, demanding constant physical, emotional, and social adjustment. Understanding how individuals cope with this complex symptom is essential.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize qualitative evidence on how individuals cope with breathlessness in the context of lung diseases.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted following the ENTREQ guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ERIC from inception to April 2025. The included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool, and the data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were included in the synthesis. Five interrelated themes were identified: overwhelming physical and sensory experience, psychological and emotional impact, coping strategies from self-management to healthcare and social support, social and relational impact, and contextual and environmental influences. These themes highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of coping within the physical, emotional, and social dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Living with breathlessness is marked by ongoing vulnerability and the need for continuous adaptation. Informed by coping theory, this synthesis underscores the importance of holistic and contextually responsive interventions that support symptom management, identity maintenance, and social connectedness. A deeper understanding of patient coping strategies can inform more effective and compassionate healthcare and research practices.