24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, fainting, or symptoms that are spreading fast after food, medicine, an insect sting, or another trigger, do not wait it out. Get emergency care now.
Go to the ER right away if the allergic reaction includes:
You can have a dangerous allergic reaction even without a dramatic rash.
Kids: when an allergic reaction needs emergency care
Bring your child to the ER now if they have:
Serious allergic reactions can escalate quickly in children as well as adults.
What an allergic reaction can look like
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system overreacts to a trigger. Mild reactions may cause itching, hives, sneezing, congestion, or watery eyes. More serious reactions can affect breathing, the throat, the stomach, or blood pressure — and that is when the situation becomes an emergency.
Common triggers
Common triggers include foods, medications, insect stings, latex, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Not every reaction looks the same, and some people do not know they have a serious allergy until they have a severe episode.
When it may be anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It often starts quickly and may affect more than one body system at once — for example, hives plus vomiting, or swelling plus trouble breathing, or faintness after exposure to a likely trigger.
What to do right away
If you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, use it at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction as directed by your clinician. Then get emergency help right away. Antihistamines may help some mild symptoms, but they are not first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
ER or urgent care?
Urgent care or primary care may be reasonable for a mild, isolated rash or itching when there is no swelling, no breathing trouble, no faintness, no repeated vomiting, and no fast worsening. The ER is the right choice for any reaction affecting breathing, swallowing, circulation, or multiple body systems.
What Post Oak ER can do for severe allergic reactions
At Post Oak ER, adults and children can be evaluated quickly in an ER-licensed facility. Depending on the reaction, emergency care may include airway and breathing assessment, medications for a severe reaction, IV fluids and IV medications, cardiac monitoring, lab testing, and on-site imaging when symptoms suggest another emergency problem or complication. We are open 24/7, and no appointment is needed.
After the emergency
After a severe reaction, follow-up with an allergist may be recommended to help identify the trigger, reduce the risk of another reaction, and decide whether you should carry epinephrine in the future. That kind of formal allergy workup happens after the emergency is under control.
A simple rule to remember
If this feels bigger than “just allergies,” trust that instinct. Trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, fainting, or fast-worsening symptoms should be treated as an emergency. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.