Objective: Constipation is a frequently observed defecation problem in childhood. There's increased detection rates of constipation (3-5%) in general pediatric patients presenting to outpatient clinics as high as 25% of children presenting to pediatric gastroenterology clinics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical symptoms, etiological factors and results of follow up in children with constipation.

Material and Methods: This study was performed in 192 children who had constipation complaint and admitted to Fırat University Medical Faculty Children' s Health and Disease Department of Child Gastroenterological Polyclinics between January 2006- August 2010.

Results: Of the children with constipation complaint, 56.8% were boys and 43.2% were girls. Organic causes were detected in 4.7% of the cases, whereas functional constipation, was observed in 95.3% of cases. Constipation problem was mopre frequent in children between 37-72 months of age. The most common complaint was pain in the stomach and the anal area. Of the children, 64.6% of them had a family history. Mean period of symptoms was 17.6 month. The association between the related factors and the complaints, it was determined that diet and physical inactivity were the most important factors. The repetition rate for patients with constipation problems in young age was found high.

Conclusion: In conclusion, after the exclusion of organic causes of constipation, the factors increasing the constipation should be identified and appropriate diet and age-related physical activities as well as medical treatment should be advised in patients presenting with complaints of constipation.