24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If you have a heavy cough, chest congestion, and feel run down, it may be acute bronchitis. But if breathing feels hard, chest pain shows up, or you are coughing up blood, do not assume it is “just bronchitis.”
Go to the ER right away if bronchitis symptoms come with:
These are the red flags that matter most. They raise concern for something more serious than a routine chest cold.
Children, older adults, and higher-risk patients should be seen sooner.
Do not “wait and see” if a child is working hard to breathe, has blue lips, chest retractions, or is hard to wake. Older adults, infants, young children, and people with lower immune resistance are more vulnerable to complications from respiratory illness.
What acute bronchitis actually is
Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. It often starts after a cold or another respiratory infection, which is why many people describe it as a “chest cold.”
Common bronchitis symptoms
Typical symptoms include cough, mucus production, fatigue, mild fever or chills, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The mucus can be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green, and on rare occasions may be streaked with blood.
most acute bronchitis does not need antibiotics
Most acute bronchitis is caused by viruses, not bacteria. CDC says acute bronchitis usually gets better on its own without antibiotics, and Mayo Clinic notes that antibiotics are not useful in most cases.
When bronchitis may be more than bronchitis
This is the part that matters on an ER page. A bad cough can also be pneumonia, flu, COVID, asthma-related bronchospasm, or another breathing problem. Mayo Clinic specifically notes that a chest X-ray may be used to help determine whether pneumonia or another condition is causing the cough.
When you should get checked even if it does not feel like a 911 emergency
CDC recommends medical evaluation if you have a fever lasting more than 5 days, a fever of 104°F or higher, bloody mucus, trouble breathing, symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks, or repeated episodes of bronchitis.
What Post Oak ER can do for bronchitis-like symptoms
At Post Oak ER, adults and children with severe cough, chest discomfort, or breathing symptoms can be evaluated with on-site X-ray and lab testing, along with emergency physician assessment and IV medications or fluids when clinically appropriate. If chest symptoms raise concern for something cardiac rather than purely respiratory, Post Oak ER also provides chest-pain and cardiology-focused emergency evaluation.
When hospital transfer may be necessary
If a patient needs inpatient care, more advanced respiratory support, or treatment beyond a freestanding ER setting, Post Oak ER can coordinate direct transfer to the appropriate hospital. That is the right and honest promise for a page like this.
prevention and recovery advice
Rest, fluids, and avoiding smoke or other lung irritants are part of basic recovery. Mayo Clinic also notes that staying hydrated can help thin mucus, while CDC recommends supportive care measures rather than automatic antibiotics for routine acute bronchitis.
A simple rule to remember
If it is just a cough and congestion, it may not be an ER problem. If it becomes hard to breathe, painful in the chest, bloody, confusing, or clearly worse instead of better, get checked.
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.