The term Persian Gulf illness has been used to describe a wide range of symptoms and conditions experienced by military personnel who served in the Persian Gulf during and after the Gulf War of 1990-1991. To avoid using a potentially misleading and controversial term, there are a number of alternative synonyms that have been proposed. These include Gulf War syndrome, Gulf War illness, and Gulf War veterans' illnesses. Some experts have also suggested using more specific terms based on the nature of the symptoms, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Regardless of the name used, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the health challenges faced by individuals who served in the Persian Gulf.