[Self-reported dyspnea is strongly associated with psychological and cognitive symptoms. The Danish Gulf War Study].

INTRODUCTION

Danish Gulf War veterans (GWVs) have a high prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms and self-reported dyspnoea.

METHODS

686 GWVs were included in the study and compared with 231 controls. Extensive information about the participants was obtained from a questionnaire, and they all underwent clinical and paraclinical examinations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyspnoea in GWVs was 29.2%, in controls 19.5%, p = 0.005. Adjusted for age, smoking and physical activity the GWVs OR for dyspnoea at light physical demand was OR = 1.55(1.1-2.3), p = 0.02. Further adjustment for cognitive and mental symptoms reduced the OR to a non significant level, OR = 1.09(0.7-1.6), p = 0.68.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of dyspnoea among GWVs could largely be attributed to their high prevalence of mental and cognitive symptoms. In general, the results emphasize the psychological component in dyspnoea.