Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Veterans with Gulf War Illness Evaluated at VA's War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center.

Nono-Djotsa Abs Theresa Nguyen Wenker Sarah T AhmedSaurendro GhoshDeeksha MalhotraStephen H BoyleElizabeth J GiffordKellie J SimsDonna L WhiteLea SteeleDrew A Helmer

Published in: Military medicine (2024)

More than 20 years after the Persian Gulf War, our findings indicate a high degree of comorbidity between severe GWI and IBS among deployed GWVs seeking care for unexplained illnesses. Our results suggest GWVs with GWI should be screened for IBS for which evidence-based treatments are available and could potentially reduce symptom burden. Conversely, symptoms of IBS should trigger additional evaluation for non-gastrointestinal symptoms in deployed Gulf War veterans to identify possible GWI and ensure a comprehensive approach to care.

Keyphrases

irritable bowel syndrome
healthcare
palliative care
quality improvement
pain management
mental health
early onset
affordable care act
risk factors
depressive symptoms
patient reported