24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
But if sinus pressure or congestion comes with eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or a very sick feeling, do not assume it is “just a sinus infection.” Those symptoms need urgent evaluation.
Go to the ER right away if sinus symptoms come with:
These are not the usual features of routine sinusitis and may signal a complication that needs hospital-level care.
Do not wait if it is a child with swelling around the eye, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Children with sinus symptoms plus eye swelling need faster evaluation. People who are immunocompromised also deserve a lower threshold for urgent care because complications can develop more quickly.
What a sinus infection actually is
Sinusitis happens when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, which blocks drainage and allows mucus to build up. Acute sinusitis often follows a cold or another upper respiratory infection.
Common sinus infection symptoms
Typical symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, headache, thick nasal drainage, reduced sense of smell, postnasal drip, fatigue, and sometimes fever. In children, symptoms can also include irritability, cough, and worsening cold symptoms that do not improve as expected.
Brutally honest answer: most sinus infections are not ER emergencies
Most acute sinus infections improve on their own, and many do not need antibiotics. CDC notes that 90% to 98% of rhinosinusitis cases are viral, which is exactly why routine sinus symptoms should not automatically be treated like an emergency.
When you should seek medical care, even if it is not an ER emergency
You should get checked if symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, get worse after seeming to improve, or if fever lasts more than 3 to 4 days. Those patterns are more concerning for bacterial sinusitis or a more complicated course.
When antibiotics may matter
CDC recommends diagnosing likely acute bacterial rhinosinusitis when symptoms are severe for more than 3 to 4 days, persistent for more than 10 days without improvement, or worsening after initial improvement. That is much more specific than simply saying “green mucus means antibiotics.”
When imaging does and does not help
Routine sinus infections usually do not need imaging, and CDC specifically notes that sinus radiographs are not routinely recommended. Imaging becomes more relevant when there is concern for complications, unusual anatomy, orbital involvement, or another serious diagnosis.
What Post Oak ER can do for severe sinus symptoms
At Post Oak ER, patients with severe sinus symptoms can receive an emergency evaluation, adult or pediatric care, and on-site diagnostic support when symptoms suggest something more serious than routine sinusitis. That may include lab testing and CT-based evaluation when severe headache, eye findings, or another dangerous cause needs to be ruled out quickly.
What you can usually do for mild sinus symptoms
For mild sinusitis, supportive care is often enough. NHS and Mayo Clinic both point to rest, fluids, saline nasal rinses, and symptom relief measures as standard early care for uncomplicated cases.
A simple rule to remember
If it feels like ordinary congestion and facial pressure, it may not be an ER problem. If sinus symptoms come with eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, vomiting, or a very sick appearance, do not wait it out.
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.