" Hello doctor, I have been smoke-free for 19 days, but I am now experiencing some oral issues. My tongue has developed a reddish hue and is sensitive to hot and spicy foods. My lower lip feels as though it is burning from within and has also turned quite red. (The dark skin layer on my lips has disappeared, which is a positive change.) These symptoms began to manifest after 15 days of quitting. Is there a solution? I suspect that these issues may be related to my cessation of smoking. I am seeking advice on possible remedies. Kindly help.

" Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. This is indeed a result of atrophic changes. You should take the following medications: Vitamin-C 500 milligram tablet twice daily after meals for one month. Multivitamin tablet once daily before meals for one month. Additionally, please refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco, and ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. For better assistance, please send me a picture of your tongue for follow-up. I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask further queries. Thank you.

How to manage oral symptoms after smoking cessation?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been smoke-free for 19 days, but I am now experiencing some oral issues.

My tongue has developed a reddish hue and is sensitive to hot and spicy foods.
My lower lip feels as though it is burning from within and has also turned quite red. (The dark skin layer on my lips has disappeared, which is a positive change.)

These symptoms began to manifest after 15 days of quitting. Is there a solution? I suspect that these issues may be related to my cessation of smoking. I am seeking advice on possible remedies.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

This is indeed a result of atrophic changes. You should take the following medications:

Vitamin-C 500 milligram tablet twice daily after meals for one month.
Multivitamin tablet once daily before meals for one month.

Additionally, please refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco, and ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

For better assistance, please send me a picture of your tongue for follow-up.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Probable diagnosis

Query regaring tongue sensitivity

Regarding follow up

With pictures of the tongue

Was this conversation helpful?

Answered by Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

March 21, 2025

March 24, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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