Duodenal ulcers heal more slowly and recur more frequently in smokers than non-smokers.
Animal studies indicate that tobacco smoke reduces blood flow to the duodenal mucosa and that nicotine results in acid-peptic injury. Smokers have twice the accident rate of non-smokers. Smokers are more likely to experience early disability from the workplace. Smokers have higher rates of absenteeism than non-smokers by about 2 days per year. Kristein MM, How much can business expect to profit from smoking cessation.