Queensland's smokers could be paying more if the proposed national tobacco tax rise is approved, though asthmatics will be able to breathe easier.

The National Asthma Council Australia joined the Pharmacy Guild of Australia on Monday in supporting the Federal Government’s proposed increase in tobacco excise, describing the move as good news for the two million Australians with asthma.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd proposed the tax hike on cigarettes last week, with the Government to earn an estimated $5.3 billion if the tax passes. Though the Coalition is arguing the tax is another cost-of-living increase, some reports suggest the tax is one means to return the Budget to surplus by 2016-17

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world and smoking or breathing other people’s smoke damages the lungs, prevents asthma medicines working properly and increases a person’s chance of needing urgent medical care. Surprisingly, as many people with asthma smoke as people without asthma.

National Asthma Council Australia Director Stephen Hughes said raising the tobacco tax was an important initiative, not only to give people with asthma a better chance of achieving good asthma control, but to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
“Among adults with asthma, research has shown that exposure to cigarette smoke, whether through smoking or being in contact with environmental tobacco smoke over a 12 month period, is associated with a significantly increased risk of needing acute asthma care within the next two to three years,” he said.

“Evidence shows that within six weeks of quitting smoking, people with asthma show improvement in lung function and a reduction in airway inflammation, compared with people with asthma who continue to smoke.”

In 2011 (the latest figures) 386 people died from asthma. Anyone experiencing asthma-like symptoms should visit their doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and management advice. For further information on asthma medications, management, symptoms, triggers and diagnosis visit the National Asthma Council Australia’s website at: www.nationalasthma.org.au.