New research warns that wearing a smartphone on the toilet can increase the risk of a painful condition with potentially serious consequences. The longer use of the phone is unintentionally extending the time spent in the toilet, increasing the pressure on anal tissues, which can lead to hemorrhoids, writes.
Dr. Khenhan Ramprasad and his colleagues conducted a study with 125 adults who underwent screening colonoscopy. Participants answered questions about their lifestyle and habits when using the toilet, and endoscopists examined them for the presence of hemorrhoids. The results showed that those who use a smartphone in the toilet had a 46 % higher risk of hemorrhoids than those who do not use it. In addition, 37 % of smartphone users spent more than five minutes in the toilet compared to non -users.
“We are still discovering new links such as smartphones affect our health and their uninhabited consequences. The study supports recommendation that people leave their smartphones aside during the toilet visit and try to empty the intestines for only a few minutes, ” The head of the study by Dr. Trisha Pasrich.
“If it takes longer, ask yourself why. It was because it was really so difficult, or was it a distraction? It is incredibly easy to lose the notion of time when using our smartphones, as popular applications are designed exclusively for this purpose. However, it is possible that constant sitting in the toilet could increase the risk of hemorrhoids, ” continued.
“This study could help doctors in formulating recommendations for patients. Future research could expand these findings, For example, by monitoring patients over time and examining interventions to limit the long -term use of smartphones in the toilet, ”added Dr. Ramprass.
Hemorrhoids are widespread (swollen) veins in the area of the rectum and anal canal. One in three people will meet them at some point in life for a short time and almost half of all adults over 45 suffer from them for a long time. In extreme cases, there may be serious complications such as serious infection, abscesses, or life -threatening sepsis. The most common symptoms according to the British National Medical Organization (NHS) are:
- bright -red blood on the stool
- Itching in the rectum
- the urge to make a great need immediately after using the toilet
- mucus in underwear or toilet paper
- lumps around the rectum
- pain around the rectum
A pharmacist can suggest creams, treatment of constipation, stool softening and cold compresses to relieve pain and discomfort. However, in more serious cases, you should see a general practitioner, and:
- You have signs of hemorrhoids for more than a week and despite home treatment your condition worsens
- Hemorrhoids have reeled you repeatedly
- you notice a change around the rectum that is not common to you
The general practitioner may prescribe a stronger treatment for hemorrhoids or constipation. At the same time, it can also check that your symptoms are not caused by something else.
