[Nicotine and the gastrointestinal tract]

Reflux esophagitis occurs much more often in smokers because of reduction of saliva production and lessened tonus of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Duodenal ulcers heal during H2-blocking agents in smokers slower than during placebo-therapy in non smokers. Mortality of duodenal ulcer in smokers is 2 to 7 times increased.