Seek appropriate care for chronic coughs or for constipation if you have a hernia. Straining associated with these conditions causes the intestines to protrude further into the hernia. The physical examination includes emphasis on examination of the hernia. Several position changes may be required, or the patient may be asked to cough or strain . Surgery may be needed to correct incisional hernias or umbilical hernias that do not resolve by the time the child approaches school age.
Emergency surgery is needed in the case of a strangulated hernia.