Some 40% of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) say that the condition is a major source of embarrassment for them, while almost 50% feel it has lowered their self-confidence, a new study has found.

IBS is a disorder which results in the large intestine (colon) overreacting to a mild stimulus, such as eating or the presence of gas, by going into spasm. It is characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel habits, including alternating diarrhoea and constipation.

Almost 15% of Irish people are affected, with many first showing symptoms in their late teens. However, it can take years for a proper diagnosis to be made.

The study, ‘Living with IBS in Ireland', involved 1,250 IBS sufferers in Ireland and the UK. It found that many were embarrassed by the condition and 29% believe there is still a big stigma associated with it.

Some 49% believe they have lower self-confidence as a result of their IBS, 39% feel depressed and 13% feel lonely or isolated.

"IBS significantly affects quality of life and patients can end up being isolated from friends, family, colleagues and even their partners as a result of IBS flare-ups. IBS symptoms such as unpredictable bowel movements mean they constantly need to be within reach of a toilet," explained consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Deirdre O'Donovan, of the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin.

The study found that 48% of affected people are too embarrassed to ask for help with their IBS, with 28% not even telling their partner and 21% not telling close friends.

"This study shows that the stigma of living with IBS is a major cause for concern. Patients struggle to discuss symptoms like unpredictable diarrhoea, constipation, wind or bloating with their families and friends. IBS is a complex condition and patients have to deal with more than one symptom at a time," Dr O'Donovan noted.

The study revealed that nights out or social occasions are a particular cause of concern for sufferers, with 51% afraid that they will not be able to access a bathroom in time.

As a result, 44% of sufferers will map out the nearest toilets to them before heading out socially. Almost 19% admitted to experiencing an IBS flare-up while out socialising.

"One of the most stressful symptoms of IBS is probably a sensation of urgency to get to a toilet on time. Many IBS patients have to be near a bathroom at all times and this really affects their ability to enjoy their social life or even, at times, leave their homes to go on a shopping trip," Dr O'Donovan said.

She explained that many sufferers ‘fear being caught out while out and about'.

"The fear or frustration of having to deal with a problem while you're out and about and away from home can often prevent many sufferers from scheduling social activities and even sadly becoming housebound leading to social isolation," Dr O'Donovan pointed out.

Meanwhile, almost 30% of women with IBS say the condition affects what they wear. Many end up wearing loose fitting clothes that are too big for them because of bloating.

The study was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Alflorex to coincide with IBS Awareness Month, which runs throughout April.