Perspectives on allergic rhinitis and related upper airway conditions: a qualitative meta-synthesis of patient and healthcare professional experiences

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and related upper airway conditions impose a substantial burden on quality of life and daily functioning. Although biomedical research predominates, the subjective experiences of patients and healthcare professionals remain underexplored. METHODS: The aim of this review was to synthesize qualitative evidence on the experiences, perceptions, and management strategies of individuals with allergic rhinitis and related upper airway conditions, as well as the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in their care. A thematic meta-synthesis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (XXX). Comprehensive searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, Complementary Index, OAIster, and Web of Science up to August 2025. Study selection followed the PICo framework, and methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (QARI). Data were analyzed using Thomas and Harden's three-stage thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS: Eleven qualitative studies with 271 participants (235 patients, 36 professionals) from multiple countries were included. Three major themes and seven subthemes were identified: (1) Making Sense of Illness (identity, symptom burden, emotional responses), (2) Treatment and Management Strategies (personal and pharmacological approaches, alternative and professional orientations), and (3) Care Journey and Meaning-Making (diagnostic uncertainty, information networks). AR was found to be a multidimensional experience shaped not only by symptoms but also by stigma, social perceptions, and healthcare interactions. CONCLUSION: Effective management of allergic rhinitis and related upper airway conditions requires more than pharmacological interventions, emphasizing patient-centered communication, shared decision-making, and individualized care. Incorporating digital self-management tools and culturally sensitive approaches may improve adherence and outcomes. Future research should explore cross-cultural perspectives, long-term patient experiences, and the integration of digital health technologies into care pathways.