Is using an expired inhaler bad for you?

Has anyone had severe chest pain after using an albuterol inhaler and have you suffered any permanent effects?

• My 13 year old son had severe chest pain after using his inhaler, so he stopped it was so unbearable. Then he told me everytime he had used his inhaler he would get that way, in excruciating chest pain. I didn't make the connection when he would tell me his chest was hurting afterwards, but now that he's a little older he was able to tell me that it was definetly from the inhaler, then if he didn't continue to take it later in the day after several hours or something like that it would go away. Does anyone know why this has happened to him and if it could have caused permanent damage? After he told me this I read this is a rare side effect and to get immediate medical attention if you have chest pain after using an albuterol inhaler.

• Answer:

  Well what I read was to talk to your doctor if you have the following side effects: These can be serious: •bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine; •chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats; •tremor, nervousness; or •increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure). These not as serious but you should stop using it any way •headache, dizziness, nervousness; •sleep problems (insomnia); •cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; •dry mouth and throat; •muscle pain; or •diarrhea. If you want to read more here's the link: http://www.healthcare.com/medications/albuterol-inhalation-14160.php I've used an abuterol inhaler since I was a child, never have I had any side effects, so it could or could not be serious. I'm no pro, but definitely talk to your son's doctor.