We’ve all done it, but it could cause you serious health problems including
haemorrhoids, also known as piles.
Being glued to your phone is certainly not an uncommon trait these days.
And in these modern times, whether we care to admit it publicly or not,
we’ve all taken our phone to the loo to help pass the time.
But this tempting habit could cause you serious health problems, doctors
have warned.
In particular, they say it could give you haemorrhoids, also known as
piles, which are lumps around your bottom.
The problem can originate from sitting on the throne for too long, which
scrolling through your phone may sadly only encourage.
It is particularly concerning news as 57 per cent of Brits admitted to
using their phone on the toilet in a recent YouGov survey – and eight per cent
said they “always” do it.
Symptoms of piles
Bright red blood after you poo, an itchy anus, feeling like you still need
to poo after going to the toilet, slimy mucus in your underwear or on toilet
paper after wiping your bottom, lumps around your anus, pain around your anus
You should see a doctor if there’s no improvement after seven days of
treatment at home or if you keep getting them.
GP and Clinical Director of
patient.info, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said:
“Constipation and straining to poo is a major risk factor for piles –
being pregnant, chronic cough and getting older also factor.
“But so too does prolonged sitting on the loo. And while in the past,
some of us took a good book into the toilet with us, these days it’s more
likely to be the ever-present mobile phone.
“So tempting while it may be to scroll through your apps while you’re
waiting to perform, doctors don’t recommend it.”
Dr Jarvis also advised that, to help avoid getting piles, you should add
lots of fibre to your diet, be sure to drink enough fluids, exercise regularly.
It’s also probably best to leave that phone in another room next time you
feel the urge to visit to toilet.
