Gentle evaluation and proven relief for children's acid reflux and GERD. Trust Tampa Bay's leading pediatric gastroenterology specialists for personalized, long-term digestive comfort.
Helping your child eat, sleep, and grow without the discomfort of acid reflux brings relief to the whole family.
Acid reflux in children occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. While mild spitting up is common in infants, persistent reflux that causes pain, irritability, poor weight gain, or respiratory difficulty is diagnosed as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Children experience reflux differently depending on their age. Infants may arch their backs during feedings, while older children describe chest burning, sour taste, or regurgitation. A dedicated pediatric gastroenterologist for acid reflux provides the subspecialty care needed to distinguish temporary reflux from chronic GERD and create a safe treatment plan.
Immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Most infants outgrow spitting up by 12 to 18 months of age.
Reflux that causes tissue inflammation (esophagitis), vocal cord irritation, feeding refusal, or poor weight gain.
An allergic esophageal condition mimicking GERD symptoms that requires subspecialty GI biopsy and dietary therapy.
Acid reflux in children stems from anatomical, dietary, or allergic factors. Our pediatric GI specialists thoroughly evaluate each underlying trigger.
Underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter muscle in infants allowing stomach contents to travel upward easily.
Cow's milk protein allergy or food sensitivities triggering esophageal inflammation, vomiting, and acid hypersecretion.
Allergic white blood cell buildup in the esophagus causing chronic reflux symptoms, food impaction, and painful swallowing.
Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis) that increases intragastric pressure, forcing stomach acid into the esophagus.
Anatomical positioning changes of the upper stomach or altered esophageal motility that impair natural acid clearance.
High-fat foods, citrus, carbonated beverages, large bedtime meals, or passive smoke exposure exacerbating reflux.
While mild infant spitting up is common, certain "red flag" symptoms indicate that children's acid reflux requires subspecialty GI care:
PEDGI accommodates urgent pediatric gastroenterology requests within 2–5 business days.
We believe in a thoughtful, step-by-step diagnostic journey tailored specifically for children. Our gentle approach focuses on non-invasive assessments first.
Detailed review of feeding habits, posture, symptom timing, sleep disruption, and growth trends.
Evaluating potential milk protein allergy or food triggers with hypoallergenic formula or elimination diets.
Measuring acid and non-acid reflux frequency and correlating events with respiratory or coughing episodes.
Visualizing esophageal lining and taking tissue samples under gentle pediatric sedation to check for esophagitis or EoE.
Effective pediatric GERD treatment combines lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, and safe medical therapy tailored to your child's age.
Upright post-feeding positioning, smaller frequent meals, and formula thickening under pediatric guidance.
Pediatric-safe acid suppressants (H2 blockers or PPIs) prescribed for defined durations under specialist oversight.
Identifying and removing trigger foods or milk allergens to reduce esophageal inflammation and acid surges.
Regular follow-ups with our doctors and Physician Extenders to ensure complete symptom relief.
One of the most comforting things for parents to know is that frequent spitting up in babies is usually normal and temporary.
Most babies who spit up frequently are known clinically as "happy spitters"—they gain weight well, smile after feedings, and experience no distress. True GERD in children occurs only when reflux causes pain, feeding refusal, respiratory symptoms, or poor growth. Our pediatric GI team helps families avoid unnecessary medications while protecting infants who truly need medical care.
Our pediatric gastroenterology team validates your concerns and crafts clear, reassuring care plans so your child can eat comfortably.
Meet Our Specialist DoctorsProviding Tampa Bay families with world-class pediatric GI subspecialty care since 1984.
Our practice has exclusively focused on pediatric gastroenterology, liver, and nutrition care in West Central Florida since 1984.
We know feeding issues and acid burning can be frightening for children. Every member of our care team is trained to make visits gentle and anxiety-free.
Our doctors and clinical staff provide fluent care in both English and Spanish to support our diverse Tampa Bay community.
Urgent cases are scheduled within 2 to 5 business days across Tampa, Lakeland, Bloomingdale, and Odessa clinics.
Expert pediatric gastroenterology care close to home across Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
2470 Bloomingdale Ave
Valrico, FL 33596
(813) 324-2613
Location DetailsHave questions about your child's acid reflux or preparing for a specialist visit? Here are common answers from our pediatric GI team.
View All General FAQsNormal infant reflux ('happy spitting') causes frequent spitting up without pain, distress, or growth problems. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when acid reflux causes painful crying, food refusal, arching during feeding, poor weight gain, or respiratory symptoms.
In older children, acid reflux symptoms include heartburn, chest or upper abdominal burning, frequent regurgitation, sour taste in the mouth, chronic throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, or chronic cough.
You should consult a pediatric gastroenterologist if your child experiences painful reflux that interferes with sleep or feeding, poor weight gain, difficulty or pain when swallowing, blood in vomit/stool, or symptoms that persist despite primary pediatric care.
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical history and dietary trial. When necessary, specialists utilize non-invasive imaging, pH/impedance probe studies, or upper endoscopy (EGD) with biopsies to evaluate esophageal inflammation.
Yes. When clinically indicated, pediatric gastroenterologists prescribe safe, weight-adjusted medications such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) under strict medical supervision.
PEDGI prioritizes timely evaluation for uncomfortable children. Urgent reflux and GERD requests are typically seen within 2 to 5 business days across our four Tampa Bay clinic locations.
Get clear answers and expert relief for your child's acid reflux from Tampa Bay's trusted pediatric GI specialists.