Open 24/7 · Walk-Ins Welcome · Montrose, Houston
Respiratory Infection Emergency Room in Montrose, Houston
A persistent cough, chest congestion, or trouble breathing can be signs of a respiratory infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Montrose Emergency Room provides 24/7 evaluation for respiratory infections, including chest X-ray imaging. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.
Trouble breathing or chest pain with your cough? Montrose Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open 24/7
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Appointment Required
Emergency Evaluation
On-Site Diagnostic Testing
When to seek emergency care
When Should You Go to the ER for a Respiratory Infection?
Many respiratory infections can be managed at home. However, some symptoms can indicate the infection has become more serious, such as pneumonia, and needs prompt evaluation.
Consider emergency evaluation if you have:
Significant shortness of breath, even at rest
Chest pain or pressure with breathing
Rapid or labored breathing
High fever not responding to fever reducers
Bluish lips, face, or fingertips
Confusion or unusual drowsiness
Coughing up blood
Wheezing that is worsening or not improving
Symptoms in an infant, young child, or older adult
Chest congestion that keeps getting worse
Symptoms in someone with a chronic lung condition
Inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness
Chest tightness that isn’t improving
Fatigue severe enough to affect daily activity
Any breathing symptom you are unsure how to manage
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
For trouble breathing or chest pain with a cough, Montrose Emergency Room is open 24/7 with on-site chest X-ray.
Understanding the infection
Respiratory Infections Range From Mild to Serious
People often search: Is this bronchitis or pneumonia? Should I go to the ER for a bad cough? Why am I short of breath with a cold?
Respiratory infections can affect the upper airway, bronchial tubes, or lungs.
Symptoms can overlap significantly between conditions, and a chest X-ray is often the most reliable way to check for pneumonia or other lung involvement.
Common types of respiratory infections can include:
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Upper respiratory infections
COVID-19 and other viral infections
Croup (in children)
Bacterial respiratory infections
Sinusitis
RSV (in infants and young children)
Asthma exacerbation
COPD exacerbation
Whooping cough
Strep throat with respiratory symptoms
Bronchiolitis
Allergic respiratory reactions
Other lower respiratory conditions
Where are your symptoms?
What Type of Breathing Symptom Do You Have?
Upper Airway Symptoms
Nasal congestion, sore throat, and mild cough often indicate an upper respiratory infection.
Seek evaluation if symptoms worsen, spread to the chest, or are accompanied by high fever.
Chest & Bronchial Symptoms
A productive cough, chest congestion, and wheezing can indicate bronchitis or a lower respiratory infection.
Seek evaluation for worsening cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Severe Breathing Symptoms
Significant shortness of breath, bluish lips, or confusion can indicate a serious respiratory condition.
It is particularly important not to ignore severe breathing symptoms, which may require immediate emergency care.
What to expect
What Happens When You Go to the ER for a Respiratory Infection?
A common question is: “Will I get a chest X-ray?” Your evaluation typically starts with a check of your oxygen levels and breathing.
1
Symptom Review
A discussion of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
2
Breathing Assessment
Oxygen levels and breathing effort are evaluated.
3
Chest X-Ray
Imaging may be used to check the lungs.
4
Treatment & Recovery Guidance
Care may include breathing treatments, medication, or oxygen.
The emergency physician may ask:
When did the cough or breathing trouble start?
Is the cough dry or productive?
Do you have a fever?
Is breathing worse lying down?
Do you have chest pain?
Do you have a history of asthma or COPD?
Have you been around anyone sick?
Are your lips or fingertips bluish?
Do you smoke?
Have you had a recent illness?
Are you coughing up anything unusual?
Have you had similar symptoms before?
On-site chest X-ray
Chest X-Ray and Treatment for Respiratory Infections
Depending on your symptoms, the physician may determine that imaging or treatment is appropriate. Montrose Emergency Room offers on-site services that may include:
Chest X-Ray
Used to help evaluate for pneumonia or other lung involvement.
Pulse Oximetry
Measures oxygen levels in the blood.
Laboratory Testing
May help identify the type of infection.
Breathing Treatments
Nebulizer or inhaler treatments when appropriate.
Oxygen Therapy
Provided when oxygen levels are low.
Medication
Antibiotics or other treatment based on the diagnosis.
Not every patient needs every service. Testing and treatment are tailored to your symptoms and oxygen levels.
Common concerns
Can the ER Check for Pneumonia or Bronchitis?
Possible Pneumonia
Emergency physicians can evaluate symptoms that may be associated with pneumonia. Common symptoms can include:
Persistent cough
Fever
Shortness of breath
Chest pain when breathing
Fatigue
Chills
Rapid breathing
Pneumonia cannot be diagnosed based only on symptoms. A chest X-ray and examination may be necessary.
Possible Bronchitis
Bronchitis can cause chest congestion and cough. Symptoms may include:
Productive cough with mucus
Chest tightness
Mild fever
Wheezing
Fatigue
Sore throat
Emergency evaluation can help determine whether symptoms may be related to bronchitis or another condition.
Asthma or COPD Flare-Up
Patients with asthma or COPD can experience worsening symptoms during a respiratory infection.
Evaluation may include breathing treatments and monitoring of oxygen levels.
A significant flare-up should be medically evaluated rather than managed at home alone.
Warning signs
Breathing Trouble With Fever, Chest Pain or Blue Lips
Breathing Trouble With Fever
Fever combined with breathing difficulty can indicate a more serious respiratory infection.
Seek medical attention when fever occurs with shortness of breath or worsening cough.
Breathing Trouble With Chest Pain
Chest pain with breathing can indicate significant lung involvement.
Seek emergency evaluation for chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing.
Bluish Lips or Fingertips
Bluish discoloration can indicate low oxygen levels and needs immediate attention.
Signs to watch for include bluish lips, face, or fingertips, or severe shortness of breath.
Know where to go
ER or Urgent Care for a Respiratory Infection?
Patients often ask: “Should I go to urgent care or the ER for a respiratory infection?” Mild symptoms may be appropriate for urgent care. An emergency room is generally better equipped when breathing is affected.
Condition / Need
Montrose ER
Urgent Care
Significant shortness of breath
–
Chest pain with breathing
–
High fever not responding to medication
–
Bluish lips or fingertips
–
Symptoms in infants or those with chronic conditions
–
Mild cold or cough symptoms
Not sure where to go?
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911. Consider emergency evaluation for significant shortness of breath, chest pain, or bluish lips.
General guidance only. Every situation is different, and the right level of care depends on your symptoms.
ER vs Urgent Care GuideWhy Montrose Emergency Room
Why Choose Montrose Emergency Room for Respiratory Infections?
Breathing symptoms deserve prompt attention. Montrose Emergency Room provides emergency evaluation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Come in whenever symptoms start.
No Appointment Required
No scheduling needed for emergency evaluation.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Assessment by emergency physicians.
On-Site Chest X-Ray
Imaging to help evaluate the lungs.
Pulse Oximetry & Oxygen Therapy
Monitoring and treatment for low oxygen levels.
Breathing Treatments
Nebulizer or inhaler treatment when appropriate.
On-Site Laboratory Testing
Blood work without leaving the facility.
Emergency Treatment
Care for infections requiring prompt attention.
Care for Adults and Children
Emergency care for patients of all ages.
If a patient’s condition requires hospitalization or another level of treatment, the medical team can determine the appropriate next step.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
“
I had a great experience at the Montrose urgent care today. The registration tech, Gabrella, was very friendly and made the check-in process quick and easy. RN Wasef was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. Dr. Maewal took the time to listen and provided excellent care, and Pablo in radiology was also very helpful and welcoming. The whole staff was efficient, caring, and I was checked out quickly without feeling rushed. Definitely appreciate the great service from everyone today!
Donald Chanthapathet
Google Review
“
I really recommend this place, as soon as I walked in I asked the front desk Gaby came automatically came to me banned and grabbed a wheel chair and she went out and she helped my son get in the chair and took him inside........ Subi help too. Nurse Waset was awesome, Pablo the radiology tech was helpful, Dr. Ambe was really nice too. I really appreciate her attention by taking my son in. Gaby definitely went an extra mile of customer service and client care.
Jenn Hoggs
Google Review
“
Excellent service. Very clean facility.. proffesional staff.Gaby and Cindy at the front desk very helpful and efficient. Wasef very helpful knowledgeable and very kind. Pablo very helpful and kind. I always go to this Er. I highly recommend Montrose ER for all kinds of Emergencies in Montrose. Really I appreciate the service I got.
Wasef Bisher
Google Review
Serving central Houston
Respiratory Infection ER in Montrose and Central Houston
Montrose Emergency Room provides convenient access to emergency respiratory care for patients throughout Montrose and central Houston. The facility also serves patients coming from nearby communities including:
Midtown
River Oaks
Upper Kirby
Museum District
Downtown Houston
Neartown
Surrounding central Houston neighborhoods
Patients searching for a respiratory infection ER in Montrose, an emergency room for pneumonia symptoms in Houston, or a 24-hour emergency room in central Houston can visit without a scheduled appointment.
Visit Montrose Emergency Room
1110 W Gray St #101
Houston, TX 77019 (Montrose)
Open 24/7 — 365 Days a Year
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Infections
Should I go to the ER for a bad cough?
Emergency evaluation may be appropriate if a cough is accompanied by significant shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or bluish lips or fingertips.
Can the ER tell if I have pneumonia?
Yes. A chest X-ray can help evaluate for pneumonia and other lung involvement.
Why am I short of breath with a cold?
Shortness of breath can indicate the infection has affected the lower airway or lungs. This should be evaluated promptly.
Can the ER give breathing treatments?
Yes, when appropriate based on your evaluation and oxygen levels.
Can a respiratory infection be dangerous for a child?
Yes. Infants and young children can develop breathing difficulty quickly and should be evaluated promptly for concerning symptoms.
How long does a respiratory infection last?
Duration varies by cause. Symptoms lasting longer than expected or worsening should be evaluated.
Do I need an appointment for a respiratory infection?
No appointment is required for emergency evaluation at Montrose Emergency Room.
Is Montrose Emergency Room open at night?
Yes. Montrose Emergency Room operates 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Trouble Breathing or Bad Cough? Get Evaluated 24/7
You don’t need to wait it out if breathing is getting harder. Montrose Emergency Room is available 24/7 for respiratory infections, chest X-ray imaging, and breathing treatments. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is required.
Montrose Emergency Room · 1110 W. Gray St., Suite 101 · Houston, TX 77019 · (832) 487-0911
If your symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.