Listed below are some recent findings from AstraZeneca research carried out by a leading market research agency.

Most of those with symptoms do not yet recognise the condition as a disease, and instead describe it as a 'nuisance' or 'an inconvenience'.

Research also showed that, for 98 per cent of patients this condition affects any number of aspects of daily living, such as recreational activities, work, their family and their sex life.

33% have to sometimes avoid social occasions and 32% leave them early due to the symptoms of their disease.

64% wake up in the night due to discomfort and pain, which can then lead to increased irritability, lack of concentration at work and stress.

Nearly a quarter of respondents have been unable to play with their children due to the symptoms of their disease.

Many sufferers describe themselves as annoyed, frustrated, tired, depressed and embarrassed because of their condition.