Bathroom Doomscrolling Linked to Higher Hemorrhoid Risk

Quick Summary:

• Excessive smartphone scrolling while using the toilet has been linked to a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids, according to a preliminary study published in PLOS One.
• Hemorrhoids are vascular structures in the rectum that can become swollen, leading to pain and bleeding; they affect about 4.4% of the U.S. population annually.
• Smartphones have significantly increased sitting time, including prolonged bathroom usage for scrolling social media or reading news.
• A study involving 125 adults revealed that 66% engaged in smartphone use during bathroom breaks, with users spending noticeably longer on toilets compared to non-users.
• the researchers suggest avoiding smartphones while using the toilet but caution against definitive conclusions due to the small sample size of the study.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

the findings from this study emphasize how modern lifestyles and technology influence physical health in surprising ways. With increased smartphone penetration globally-including India-the research cautions against prolonged sedentary behavior linked with habits such as “doomscrolling.” In India, where mobile internet usage continues to rise dramatically among all demographics, awareness campaigns on responsible device use could mitigate related health risks. Developing simple measures like limiting screen time during toilet breaks aligns with broader discussions on balancing connectivity with mindfulness and better health practices. However, as this is an early-stage study based on limited data points abroad, further localized research could provide clearer insights for Indian audiences.

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