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 smokes. He also suffers from tenosynovitis on the dorsum of his foot, causing pain when walking in slightly stiff shoes. What should we do?

A: Tenosynovitis is a common minor ailment. During acute episodes, pain can be relieved and inflammation reduced; if there are no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. The fact that ulcers appear immediately after quitting smoking indicates that he was already addicted to smoking and his body had adapted to the smoking habit. Quitting smoking disrupts physiological functions, and oral ulcers are a result of this disruption. However, this does not mean that smoking is beneficial or that smoking can treat ulcers.