3. Consultation on Oral Ulcers and Tenosynovitis After Quitting Smoking

3. Consultation on Oral Ulcers and Tenosynovitis After Quitting Smoking

Q: My father is 60 years old. Ever since he quit smoking, he has repeatedly developed mouth ulcers whenever he stops smoking. When he smokes again, the ulcers disappear. He also suffers from tenosynovitis on the dorsum of his foot, causing pain when walking in slightly hard shoes. What should we do?

A: Tenosynovitis is a common minor ailment. During an attack, pain can be relieved and inflammation reduced; if there are no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. The fact that ulcers appear as soon as he quits smoking indicates that he has become addicted to smoking and his body has adapted to the smoking state. Quitting smoking instead causes physiological dysfunction, and oral ulcers are a result of this dysfunction. However, this does not mean that smoking is beneficial or that smoking can treat ulcers.