What medical emergencies can prolonged toilet sitting cause?

Prolonged toilet sitting can lead to fainting, reduced blood flow to the brain, and potentially a subdural hematoma, which is a brain bleed.

Why does sitting too long on the toilet cause fainting?

Sitting for an extended period allows blood to pool in the legs, and when standing up suddenly, there may not be enough blood going to the brain, causing a person to pass out.

Is sitting on the toilet for a long time a cause of hemorrhoids?

Yes, experts at the Mayo Clinic state that sitting for long periods on the toilet is a common cause of hemorrhoids, as veins around the anus may stretch and swell under pressure.

Home / Health / Neurologist Warns: Faint Risk from Long Toilet Stays

Neurologist Warns: Faint Risk from Long Toilet Stays

4 Feb

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Summary

Prolonged toilet sitting can cause blood to pool, leading to fainting.
Straining can trigger reflexes that reduce blood flow to the brain.
Excessive toilet time is also linked to developing hemorrhoids.

Neurologist Warns: Faint Risk from Long Toilet Stays

Spending excessive time on the toilet poses a significant health risk, according to neurologist Dr. Baibing Chen. He explains that prolonged sitting can cause blood to pool in the legs. Suddenly standing up can then lead to insufficient blood flow to the brain, potentially causing fainting or even a subdural hematoma, a serious brain bleed.

Dr. Chen shared an instance where a 50-year-old man experienced a head bleed after fainting from sitting on the toilet for 30 minutes. The expert noted that the risk depends on individual factors like hydration and autonomic system health. Straining during bowel movements, known as the Valsalva maneuver, can worsen the situation by expanding blood vessels and reducing heart rate.

This maneuver also increases chest pressure, hindering blood return to the heart. Mayo Clinic experts confirm that extended toilet sitting is a common cause of hemorrhoids, where anal veins swell due to pressure. They advise keeping bathroom visits brief and addressing potential causes like insufficient fiber or water intake if difficulty occurs.