Scientists have issued an urgent warning about using your phone while sitting on the toilet.
They say this habit could raise the risk of developing
haemorrhoids by 46 per cent.
The study found that smartphone users tend to spend longer periods sitting on the toilet than those without devices, increasing the likelihood of haemorrhoids—also known as piles—a condition characterized by painful, swollen veins in the anal or rectal area.
"Using a smartphone while on the toilet was linked to a 46 per cent increased chance of having haemorrhoids," senior author Trisha Pasricha from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in the US said.
For the research, the team recruited 125 adults already undergoing bowel cancer screening. Participants completed online surveys about their lifestyle and toilet habits, while doctors assessed them for haemorrhoids.
Overall, two-thirds of the participants reported using smartphones while on the toilet, and these individuals tended to be younger than non-users.
Time spent on the toilet was notably higher among smartphone users—37 per cent spent more than five minutes per visit compared to only 7.1 per cent of those who did not bring devices to the bathroom.
The most common activities on phones during toilet visits were reading the news and scrolling through social media. Other activities included reading emails, texting, playing games, and watching videos.
Interestingly, straining during bowel movements was not linked to a higher risk of haemorrhoids, which contrasts with findings from some earlier studies.
Haemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen and inflamed veins located in or around the anus and lower rectum. They may be internal (within the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
Common symptoms include anal itching, pain, bleeding after bowel movements, lumps near the anus, and general discomfort. Known causes include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, and a diet low in fiber.
Eating plenty of fiber and drinking ample water can help
prevent haemorrhoids.
