Gulf

Gulf War syndrome (GWS), also known as Desert Storm diseases or simply Gulf War illness, is a chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder affecting returning military veterans and civilian workers of the Gulf War.

Symptoms

A wide range of acute and chronic symptoms have been linked to it, including fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, rashes and diarrhea. Approximately 250,000 of the 697,000 U.S. veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War are afflicted with enduring chronic multi-symptom illness, a condition with serious consequences.

Causes

While its causes are still debated, there is increasing evidence that exposure to neurotoxins such as sarin, pesticides, and pyridostigmine bromide (a drug used to protect troops from the effects of nerve gas) - alone or in combination - may have contributed to the illness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Gulf War syndrome has been a controversial topic. Because the symptoms vary widely, the condition is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for Gulf War syndrome, but treatments can help manage symptoms.

See also

• Posttraumatic stress disorder
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple chemical sensitivity

References

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External links

• Gulf War Illness - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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