If you're a first-time parent, any sign of illness can be a cause for alarm. In fact, you might find yourself heading to the emergency room every time your child gets sick, especially during those first couple of years. However, not every childhood illness requires a trip to the emergency room. Some illnesses can be handled at a nearby urgent care center. There are a couple of benefits to visiting the urgent care center when your child is sick. First, there's usually less of a wait for medical care. Second, urgent care centers cost a lot less than a trip to the emergency room. If you're not sure when a childhood issue can be handled at an urgent care center, read the list provided below. You'll find three situations that a nearby urgent care clinic can provide care for. 

Nasal Obstructions

When you're a parent, you need to be prepared for those moments when your child sticks something up their nose. Maybe it will be a piece of corn or something else that doesn't belong there. When that happens, you'll want to seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the nasal passage is blocked. However, you don't need to visit the emergency room. Most urgent care centers have the medical equipment necessary to make quick work of removing the obstruction. 

Common Colds

Now that you're a parent, you can expect to deal with a lot of colds. In fact, your child will probably have several colds each year by the time they turn two years old. In most cases, your child will have a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. They may also lose their appetite and feel sleepy. However, if your child develops a fever or gets a sore throat, it's a good idea to visit an urgent care center, especially if their symptoms tend to linger for more than about a week. 

Earaches

Earaches are another issue that you'll encounter quite often now that you have a child. Earaches can be caused by fluid buildup, teething, and even sinusitis. However, earaches can also be a sign of infection. In most cases, ear pain can be handled by the medical staff at your local urgent care. Some signs that your child's earache should receive medical attention include increased pain, discharge from the ear canal, and an elevated fever. If these issues develop, visit an urgent care center right away.