A recent study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the United States has identified a direct link between using smartphones in the bathroom and an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids.
According to reports from xataka.com.mx, the habit of scrolling through social media or reading news while on the toilet is contributing to a rise in this medical condition, particularly among younger generations.
Data from the analysis, which included 125 adults undergoing colonoscopies, revealed that 66% of participants admitted to using their phones while on the toilet. The study found that those using smartphones were significantly more likely to stay on the toilet for longer periods.
Specifically, 37.3% of smartphone users remained on the toilet for more than five minutes, compared to only 7.1% of those who did not use a device. This prolonged sitting increases pressure on the anal area, facilitating the development of hemorrhoids.
Researchers found that this habit is associated with a 46% increase in the risk of the condition, even after adjusting for variables such as age, diet, and physical activity.
The distraction of infinite scroll
The study highlights that the device itself is not the primary cause, but rather the distraction it provides. The most common activities identified were reading news (54.3%) and using social media (44.4%).
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, the author of the study, warned that mobile applications are specifically optimized to make users lose track of time. This design encourages continuous consumption through infinite scrolling, which extends bathroom visits unnecessarily.
This behavior alters natural physiological processes. What should be a brief period of sitting becomes an extended session, leading to increased pressure on bodily tissues and subsequent inflammation.
Interestingly, the research noted that the physical effort of defecation was not directly linked to the risk of hemorrhoids, suggesting that time spent sitting is the more critical factor.
This phenomenon is part of a broader pattern of digital integration into daily life. Similar issues have been observed in other areas, such as eating.
Research from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) found that using a phone during meals can reduce attention to hunger and satiety signals. This distraction can lead to eating up to 30% more calories and alters the perception of flavor.
