24/7 RESPIRATORY INFECTION CARE
Respiratory Infection ER in Houston — 24/7 Evaluation
Most colds, flu, and bronchitis can be managed at home or by your doctor, but a respiratory infection with trouble breathing, chest pain, a high fever that won’t come down, confusion, or bluish lips needs emergency care. The Heights Emergency Room in Houston is open 24/7 for walk-ins, with chest X-ray and flu and COVID-19 testing on site.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Emergency Care for Respiratory Infections, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Coughs and fevers often worsen at night. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
Flu, COVID-19 & Strep Tests
Rapid testing when your physician determines it’s appropriate.
Chest X-Ray & CT
Imaging to look for pneumonia and other complications.
Breathing Treatments
Nebulizer treatments and oxygen-level monitoring when needed.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Most respiratory infections are viral and improve on their own. Trouble breathing, low oxygen, or worsening after improvement change that.
RESPIRATORY WARNING SIGNS
When Should a Respiratory Infection Be Evaluated in the ER?
Go to the ER for a cough or cold-like illness with shortness of breath, chest pain, a fever that won’t come down, coughing up blood, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of dehydration. Also seek care if symptoms improve and then suddenly get worse, which can signal pneumonia or another complication.
Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications and should be seen sooner.
Get emergency care for a respiratory illness with:
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- A fever above 103°F that doesn’t respond to medication
- Coughing up blood
- Blue or gray lips
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Unable to drink or keep fluids down
- Symptoms that improve, then get worse
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Cough and Fever Getting Worse?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 for respiratory infection evaluation, with no appointment needed.
For severe trouble breathing or blue lips, call 911.
On This Page
Respiratory Infection? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
Signs of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can range from mild to life-threatening.
Common signs
- A cough that brings up yellow, green, or rusty mucus
- Fever, sweats, and shaking chills
- Shortness of breath, even at rest
- Sharp chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
Older adults may have fewer of these symptoms and instead show confusion, weakness, or a lower-than-normal temperature.
When Does the Flu Become an Emergency?
Most people recover from the flu within a week or two, but complications can develop.
Emergency warning signs of flu
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest or abdominal pain or pressure
- Persistent dizziness or confusion
- Seizures
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Fever or cough that improves, then returns worse
If your doctor prescribes antiviral medication, it works best when started early, especially for people at higher risk.
COVID-19 and RSV
COVID-19, RSV, and other viruses can cause illness ranging from a mild cold to severe breathing problems.
Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds. RSV can be especially serious for infants and older adults.
Bronchitis and Lingering Coughs
Acute bronchitis usually causes a cough that can last two to three weeks and typically doesn’t need antibiotics.
A cough by itself is rarely an emergency. Get evaluated if it comes with high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing that doesn’t improve with your inhaler, or coughing up blood. When breathing difficulty is the main problem, emergency evaluation is the right choice.
HIGHER-RISK PATIENTS
Respiratory Infections in Children and High-Risk Adults
Some patients become seriously ill faster and should be evaluated sooner.
In children, watch for fast or labored breathing, skin pulling in between the ribs with each breath, flaring nostrils, grunting, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or unusual sleepiness. See our pediatric emergency care page.
Adults with asthma, COPD, heart failure, diabetes, or a weakened immune system—and anyone over 65—can develop pneumonia or a flare of their chronic condition. A flare that doesn’t respond to your usual inhaler or medications needs prompt care.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for a Respiratory Infection?
The physician checks your oxygen level, breathing rate, heart rate, and temperature and listens to your lungs.
Rapid Testing
Flu, COVID-19, and strep tests, along with blood work, can help identify the cause and guide treatment.
Chest Imaging
A chest X-ray can show pneumonia or fluid; a CT scan may be used when a complication or blood clot is suspected.
Breathing Support
Nebulizer treatments, oxygen, IV fluids, and medication may be given when appropriate.
Antibiotics help bacterial infections, not viral ones. If you need hospital admission, the team arranges transfer.
What Can Cause a Severe Respiratory Infection?
Possible causes can include:
Influenza
Seasonal flu can cause high fever, body aches, and, in some people, pneumonia.
COVID-19 & RSV
Respiratory viruses that can affect the lungs and are more serious for some age groups.
Bacterial Pneumonia
A lung infection that often needs antibiotics and sometimes hospital care.
Bronchitis & Sinus Infections
Usually viral and self-limited, but they can worsen asthma or COPD.
This list is general information, not a diagnosis.
QUICK ANSWERS
Respiratory Infection Questions, Answered
When should a respiratory infection be evaluated in the ER?
Get emergency evaluation for a respiratory infection with shortness of breath, chest pain, a fever that won’t come down, coughing up blood, confusion, bluish lips, or signs of dehydration. Seek care sooner if you are older, pregnant, or have a chronic lung or heart condition, or if symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen.
Should I go to the ER for pneumonia symptoms?
Go to the ER if possible pneumonia comes with shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, confusion, or a low oxygen level, or if you are older or have a chronic illness. An emergency physician can check your oxygen, take a chest X-ray, and start treatment. Milder symptoms may be evaluated by your doctor or an urgent care clinic.
When does flu become an emergency?
Flu becomes an emergency with difficulty breathing, persistent chest or abdominal pain, ongoing dizziness or confusion, seizures, severe weakness, or a fever or cough that improves and then returns worse. In children, also watch for fast breathing, bluish lips, dehydration, or unusual sleepiness.
Is high fever with cough and weakness an ER problem?
It can be. High fever with cough and significant weakness may signal pneumonia, flu complications, or an infection spreading through the body. If you are short of breath, confused, can’t keep fluids down, or are in a higher-risk group, get evaluated in an emergency room.
Where can I go in Houston for a severe respiratory infection?
The Heights Emergency Room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, is open 24/7 for severe respiratory infections, with on-site chest X-ray, CT, flu and COVID-19 testing, oxygen monitoring, and breathing treatments. Walk in or check in online. Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for a Respiratory Infection?
Call 911 rather than driving if someone is struggling to breathe or shows signs of low oxygen.
Call 911 for:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Blue or gray lips, face, or nail beds
- Unable to speak in full sentences
- Confusion or difficulty waking
- Chest pain with shortness of breath
- A seizure
- A child with severe chest retractions or grunting
- Rapid worsening over minutes
Paramedics can give oxygen and breathing treatments on the way to the emergency room.
Don’t drive yourself if you are short of breath or lightheaded.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for a Respiratory Infection
Urgent care is often a good choice for colds, sore throats, and mild flu. When breathing becomes difficult, oxygen may be low, or a higher-risk person is very sick, an emergency room is the better choice.
Call 911
- Severe trouble breathing
- Blue or gray lips
- Confusion or unresponsiveness
- Chest pain with breathlessness
Go to the ER
- Shortness of breath
- High fever with weakness
- Coughing up blood
- Possible pneumonia in an older adult
- An asthma or COPD flare not responding to treatment
Urgent Care or Your Doctor
- Cold or sinus symptoms
- A sore throat without breathing trouble
- Mild flu in a healthy adult
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Respiratory Infection Care in Houston
Respiratory illnesses peak during cold and flu season, and symptoms often worsen at night. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Lung exam and oxygen-level check.
Rapid Testing
Flu, COVID-19, and strep.
Chest X-Ray
To look for pneumonia.
CT Imaging
When complications are suspected.
Breathing Treatments
Nebulizer and oxygen when needed.
IV Fluids & Medication
Medication when appropriate.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Respiratory Infection ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults and children with respiratory infections and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Pneumonia ER in Houston
- Flu emergency room near me
- Respiratory infection ER near Houston Heights
- ER for cough and high fever
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for respiratory infections.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
During cold and flu season, families from across central and northwest Houston—including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown—come to us for respiratory illness. Our North Loop location is a short drive from many of these neighborhoods.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Respiratory Infection ER — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Rapid testing for influenza and COVID-19, as well as strep, is available when your physician determines it’s appropriate.
Only for bacterial infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or strep throat. Colds, flu, COVID-19, and most bronchitis are viral, and antibiotics won’t help them.
Signs include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, and bluish or gray lips or nail beds. A home pulse oximeter reading below 92% is a reason to seek care, though readings can be less accurate on darker skin.
A lingering cough alone usually isn’t an emergency. Get evaluated if it comes with high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing that doesn’t improve, or coughing up blood.
Yes. Viral infections are a common trigger. If your rescue inhaler isn’t helping or you’re struggling to breathe, seek emergency care.
Yes. The Heights Emergency Room evaluates children 24/7 and has a patient room dedicated to pediatric patients.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Severe Respiratory Infection? Emergency Care Is Available 24/7
Don’t wait out a respiratory illness with trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever, or confusion.
For severe trouble breathing or blue lips, call 911 immediately.
