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It’s not uncommon to scroll through social media on your phone as a way to pass the time while sitting on the toilet. However, scientists have issued a warning that this habit might raise the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
A study conducted in the US has revealed that individuals who use their smartphones while on the toilet are 46% more likely to develop piles. Piles, or haemorrhoids, are painful lumps that result from swollen blood vessels in the rectal area.
Published in the journal PLOS One, the research involved 125 participants who answered questions about their lifestyle and bathroom behaviors, and then underwent screening colonoscopies.
Two thirds admitted to using their smartphones on the toilet, with higher rates of loo-scrolling among younger participants.
The study suggested that using a smartphone might extend the time people spend on the toilet, which could increase pressure on tissues and lead to haemorrhoids.
Trisha Pasricha, the senior author, noted: “This study reinforces the recommendation for people to leave their smartphones outside the bathroom and to limit toilet time to just a few minutes for bowel movements.
“If it’s taking longer, ask yourself why. Was it because having a bowel movement was really so difficult, or was it because my focus was elsewhere?
“It’s incredibly easy to lose track of time when we’re scrolling on our smartphones — popular apps are designed entirely for that purpose.
“It’s possible that inadvertently extending your time on the toilet because of smartphone distractions could boost your risk of haemorrhoids.”
“We need to study this further, but it’s a safe suggestion to leave the smartphone outside the bathroom when you need to have a bowel movement.”
