Q: When I was in school, I started eating pan-masala & gutkha. I have developed Sub-Mucosal Fibrosis in my mouth and now only two-and-a-half fingers go in my mouth. It has been so for 4 years now. I also cannot eat spicy and hot foods. I have stopped eating these things for the past 3 years and I only smoke. What should I do?

A:Firstly, you need to stop smoking also. This would prevent the further development of throat and laryngeal conditions, including cancers. It may be now impossible to fully open your mouth, but submucosal injections of steroids and enzymes, repearted twice weekly may help, as would exercises to slowly try and open your mouth more.