24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
A cough, fever, sore throat, or congestion can come from many respiratory infections. But if breathing becomes hard, chest pain develops, or the person looks much sicker than a routine cold or flu, that needs urgent evaluation.
Go to the ER right away if a respiratory infection comes with:
These are emergency warning signs, not routine cold or flu symptoms.
Children and older adults should not “wait and see” if breathing looks wrong.
Bring a child in now for fast breathing, ribs pulling in with each breath, blue lips, trouble drinking, no tears, or fewer wet diapers. Older adults and people with chronic lung disease, asthma, COPD, or weaker immune systems also deserve a lower threshold for urgent evaluation when a respiratory illness is getting worse.
What “respiratory infection” actually means
Respiratory tract infections can affect the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs. That includes illnesses such as colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Most respiratory tract infections get better without treatment, but some become more serious and need medical care.
Common respiratory infection symptoms
Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, body aches, fatigue, wheezing, and chest discomfort. When pneumonia is involved, symptoms can also include fever, chills, cough with phlegm or pus, and difficulty breathing.
not every cough or chest cold needs the ER
Most routine respiratory infections can be managed outside the ER. The reason to come in is not simply because you have a cough — it is because the illness is affecting breathing, hydration, mental status, chest symptoms, or overall stability.
When it may be more than “just a respiratory infection”
A worsening respiratory illness can sometimes be pneumonia, a flu complication, or another emergency problem. CDC warns about difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, severe weakness, not urinating, and symptoms that improve then worsen again. Mayo Clinic also notes that pneumonia can cause cough, fever, chills, and labored breathing.
What Post Oak ER can do for respiratory symptoms
At Post Oak ER, patients with cough, fever, chest tightness, or shortness of breath can receive immediate vitals and respiratory assessment, in-house lab and imaging, and on-site X-ray, CT, or ultrasound when needed to look for complications or other causes. Post Oak ER also treats both children and adults, 24/7, with no appointment needed.
Why imaging and testing can matter
Chest imaging can help doctors evaluate for pneumonia and determine how extensive an infection may be, while pulse oximetry helps measure how well oxygen is moving into the blood. That is one reason breathing symptoms belong in an ER when they are severe or escalating.
A simple rule to remember
If it feels like a routine cold and you are breathing normally, staying hydrated, and gradually improving, it may not be an ER issue. If breathing is hard, lips look blue or gray, chest pain shows up, the person seems confused, or dehydration is setting in, get checked right away.
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.