Smartphone Use on Toilet Linked to Increased Hemorrhoid Risk
Regular smartphone use on the toilet, leading to prolonged sitting and scrolling, significantly increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids, a common and costly health issue.
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Overview
- A study reveals that 66% of individuals frequently use their smartphones while on the toilet, a habit linked to increased health risks.
- Prolonged sitting and excessive scrolling during toilet use, often due to smartphone distraction, are identified as key factors contributing to hemorrhoid development.
- Research indicates that 37% of smartphone users spend over five minutes on the toilet, significantly more than non-users, exacerbating the risk.
- Hemorrhoids, a painful condition, result in millions of doctor visits annually in the US, incurring high costs and considerable discomfort for affected individuals.
- Experts suggest that limiting smartphone use during toilet breaks could help mitigate the risk of developing or worsening hemorrhoids, promoting better rectal health.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by adopting an informal, attention-grabbing tone from the outset, immediately linking smartphone use on the toilet to negative health outcomes. They emphasize expert opinions that support this connection, using evocative language to highlight the perceived risks and the "gross" nature of the habit, thereby creating a narrative of warning and mild disapproval.
"The experts agreed that business on the toilet should take no longer than 5 minutes."
NBC NewsArticles (4)
FAQ
A study found that 66% of individuals reported using smartphones on the toilet, and these users tended to be younger than those who did not use smartphones in this way.
Using a smartphone on the toilet is associated with a 46% higher risk of developing hemorrhoids compared to non-users, according to a study of adults undergoing screening colonoscopy.
For every additional minute spent using a smartphone in the lavatory, the likelihood of having hemorrhoidal disease increases by 1.26 times. Spending more than 5 minutes using a smartphone on the toilet is strongly associated with hemorrhoidal disease.
In the US, hemorrhoids cause nearly 4 million doctor or emergency room visits annually and incur more than $800 million in healthcare spending, affecting millions with pain and bleeding.
Experts suggest limiting smartphone use during toilet breaks to reduce prolonged sitting and scrolling, thereby lowering the risk of developing or worsening hemorrhoids and promoting better rectal health.
History
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