Urgent warning to Brits as popular holiday destination hit by surge in cases of breathing problems

HOLIDAYMAKERS on Spain’s Costa Blanca are developing breathing problems, figures reveal. Brits in other tourist destinations — including Greece and Italy — are also wheezing because poor air quality triggers allergies and asthma, a study found. GettyBrit holidaymakers in Spain’s Costa Blanca are developing breathing problems, figures reveal[/caption] It hits them in the pocket too because sufferers fork out almost £1billion a year on treatments at overseas pharmacies. A survey of 2,000 UK adults found three in five suffer from breathing problems while abroad — spending an average of £37 each on treatment. Expert Prof Frank Kelly said those with breathing issues should avoid the worst places. But only 13 per cent check air quality figures when planning a trip, the survey by Avanti Travel Insurance found. Professor Kelly, of Imperial College London, said: “Tourists can come up against airborne particles and noxious gases associated with ill health — even after short-term exposures. “This is especially the case for vulnerable groups such as the young, the elderly and people with cardio-respiratory disease.” Avanti’s Kelly Johnstone said: “It’s worth knowing which destinations might not be ideal.”