Emergency Care for Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, can be caused by both sudden and chronic medical conditions. Asthma, anxiety, pneumonia, heart attacks, and blood clots can cause breathing problems. Many times, shortness of breath requires an immediate evaluation and emergency medical care.

If you or a loved one can’t breathe or are struggling to get air, don’t wait! Get to ER Katy right away. We’re open 24/7, including holidays, and are conveniently located near the I-10 and Pin Oak Rd. intersection. No appointment needed–just walk in.

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What Causes Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath is associated with many illnesses and health conditions. Sometimes it can come on suddenly and other times a person’s ability to breathe worsens over time as a result of a chronic condition. Regardless of the cause, it is important to seek emergency care immediately if you are not able to catch your breath.

COPD, Asthma, and Other Lung Conditions

When you experience difficulty breathing, it often suggests that your lungs are struggling to function properly. This can be an indicator of underlying lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and more serious issues, like lung cancer. These conditions can cause inflammation, infection, or obstruction of the airways, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Allergic Reactions

Individuals with allergies can experience shortness of breath as part of an allergic reaction. This can occur when your immune system overreacts to the allergen, causing inflammation in your airways that makes it difficult to breathe. Allergic reactions can also trigger mucus production and build up, making it more difficult for your body to bring in the oxygen it needs. People with asthma are especially susceptible to breathing problems during an allergic reaction.

Heart Conditions

The heart and lungs work closely together to supply oxygen to your body. If your heart is unable to function properly due to a heart attack, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, or other condition, fluid can build up in the lungs. This fluid can cause difficulty breathing and even feelings of suffocation. If you are having trouble breathing and are experiencing chest pain or have a history of heart conditions, we recommend seeking emergency medical attention right away.

Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Anxiety can lead to shortness of breath, especially during a panic attack. When you have a panic attack, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, causing rapid and shallow breathing. This can make you feel like you’re not getting enough air, even though your lungs are functioning properly. The sensation of breathlessness can increase your anxiety, making the problem feel even worse. Understanding that shortness of breath during a panic attack is a common reaction can help you manage it better with relaxation techniques and stress relief.

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What are the Symptoms of Shortness of Breath?

People experiencing dyspnea may feel like their chest is tight, that they are gasping for air, or simply struggling to breathe.

Other signs of shortness of breath include:

  • Wheezing or noisy breathing
  • Racing pulse
  • Pale or blue-tinged skin
  • Feeling cold or clammy

If you’re experiencing these symptoms,seek emergency medical attention immediately. ER Katy is always open for you 24/7, even on holidays.

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When Should You Go to the ER for Shortness of Breath?

The feeling of not being able to breathe can be extremely upsetting, regardless of the cause. You should go to the emergency room for shortness of breath if your condition is severe, comes on suddenly, and/or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (chest pain, dizziness or fainting, blue lips, etc.). In situations where difficulty breathing does not come on suddenly but does not improve with rest, you should also see a doctor.

How Does the ER Treat Shortness of Breath?

When you go to the emergency room for breathing problems, one of the first things your doctor will do is give your body extra oxygen, either through tubes in your nose or a mask over your mouth. Throughout your visit, your blood oxygen levels will be monitored to check that you’re getting enough oxygen in your system.

At ER Katy, an ER visit for shortness of breath will include an examination and any tests necessary to help determine the cause. This could include blood work, ultrasounds, x-rays, all of which we are able to do on-site at our facility. Once the cause of your breathing problem is determined, our emergency medicine doctors will determine the right course of treatment for your condition.

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We Offer Every Patient Our

THREE PILLARS OF PROMISE

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CONFIDENCE

When panic sets in, you deserve to feel confident in who you seek for medical help. At ER Katy, we seek to combine experience, connection, and comfort to eliminate as much of the stress of your visit as possible!

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TRUST

Trust is key between doctors and the community they serve. We firmly advocate for full trust through complete transparency. Our team will never chastise you for your questions, concerns, or beliefs.

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SERVICE

Your visit to our facility may be an emergency, but that doesn't mean you should suffer a lack of care or service. That's why our patients are treated promptly while maintaining top-notch bedside service from the entire staff!

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What to Expect When At ER Katy

We understand that medical emergencies are stressful all by themselves. That’s why we aim to make your visit to our emergency room as compassionate, comforting, and efficient as possible, starting with letting you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

STEP ONE: Be led to your comfortable, private patient room, where you’ll be seen promptly by one of our board-certified emergency medicine physicians.

STEP TWO: Receive an in-depth discussion, diagnosis, and treatment plan for your specific condition or emergency.

STEP THREE: Get the recommended prescriptions or medications from our on-site pharmacy, so you can go straight home!

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Conveniently Located in Katy, TX

ER Katy is conveniently located close to the southwest corner of Pin Oak Rd and I-10, near the H-E-B, next door to Alicia's Mexican Grille. Boasting a spacious 7,000-sq. foot facility to help keep you as calm and comfortable as possible in your most stressful of times, it's hard to miss us!

If you need urgent medical care or have experienced an emergency, we’re always ready to help. Walk into ER Katy and get seen fast by a board-certified ER doctor. No appointment required and no wait!

25765 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77494

Open 24/7

281-395-9900
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Took my 2 yr old son on New Year's Eve at 11 pm. They were very prompt and caring. Their treatment was right on the money. He had a very severe allergic reaction.

– Pijush Chatterjee

– Neha Bhakta

Everyone here was genuinely concerned, welcoming, and professional. They were knowledgeable and made sure I understood all possibilities, available services, and best practices. If I need them again, I know they will be my best option.

– Joanne Rodriguez

– Kaian Dislate

– Patti Burges

Had we not taken our son to ER Katy, it's likely he wouldn't have made it through the night!

"ER Katy Emergency Room saved our son's life. All I can say is that we went to an Urgent Care first, waited a ridiculous amount of time, and after we met [with our nurse we were] sent home. We did not feel comfortable with the "nurse" opinion; he seemed to be getting worse. At 1 AM, we rushed our son to a real doctor at ER Katy in the middle of the night and the doctor (real doctor!) and on-site X-Ray Tech found that my son's liver was cut in half. Had we not taken him to ER Katy (which was very local) it's likely he would not have made it through the night.

They reduced his pain immediately, the staff kept us sane and comfortable. The doctor made calls to transfer him to a specialist. ER Katy Doctors arranged everything. They were perfect, quick, professional, and efficient, and we owe them everything. They have doctors (real emergency room doctors) on staff 24 hours a day. I just thank God for ER Katy."

– Mindy Bakker

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Frequently Asked Questions

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