Rapid, expert evaluation and proven relief for gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, teenagers, and young adults (ages 0 to 21). Trust Tampa Bay's leading pediatric gastroenterology specialists for personalized care.
Identifying the source of gastrointestinal bleeding in your child or teenager brings clarity, peace of mind, and effective relief to the whole family.
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in children and teenagers occurs when blood loss develops anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach down to the small intestine, colon, and rectum. Causes vary significantly by age, ranging from constipation fissures and milk protein allergies in infants to juvenile polyps or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in adolescents.
Children and teenagers experience GI bleeding symptoms differently. Infants may show bloody streaks in diapers, while older children and teenagers report abdominal cramping, dark tarry stools, or blood in the toilet. A dedicated pediatric gastroenterologist for GI bleeding provides the subspecialty care needed to identify the exact cause and create a safe treatment plan.
Milk protein allergy or minor anal fissures from hard bowel movements causing blood streaks in diapers.
Benign juvenile colonic polyps, bacterial colitis, or constipation tears causing rectal bleeding.
Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or peptic ulcers requiring subspecialty GI endoscopy and biotherapy.
GI bleeding in children and teenagers stems from anatomical, inflammatory, or infectious factors. Our pediatric GI specialists thoroughly evaluate each underlying trigger.
Minor superficial tears in the anal lining caused by passing hard stools, frequent in toddlers and young children.
Immune response to cow's milk or soy proteins causing mild rectal bleeding and loose stools in infants.
Benign tissue growths in the colon occurring in children aged 2–10, causing painless bright red rectal bleeding.
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis causing chronic intestinal inflammation, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss in teens.
Mucosal erosion in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus caused by stomach acid, H. pylori, or medication irritation.
Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis (such as Salmonella or E. coli) leading to acute intestinal inflammation and bloody stools.
While minor blood streaks from constipation can be evaluated during clinic hours, certain "red flag" symptoms indicate that children's and teens' GI bleeding requires immediate medical care:
PEDGI accommodates urgent pediatric gastroenterology requests within 24 to 48 hours.
We believe in a thoughtful, step-by-step diagnostic journey tailored specifically for children and teenagers. Our gentle approach focuses on non-invasive assessments first.
Detailed review of stool appearance, feeding/dietary habits, medication history, and growth trends.
Checking stool calprotectin, occult blood, inflammatory markers (ESR/CRP), and complete blood count for anemia.
Visualizing GI mucosa, taking biopsies, or removing polyps under gentle pediatric sedation managed by pediatric anesthesiologists.
In older children and teens, wireless video capsule endoscopy allows non-invasive visualization of the small intestine.
Effective pediatric GI bleeding treatment combines dietary modifications, targeted medical therapy, and specialized GI procedures tailored to your child's age.
Formula elimination for allergic colitis and stool softeners to heal anal fissures from constipation.
Acid suppression for peptic ulcers, anti-inflammatory biotherapy for teen IBD, and iron supplementation.
Painless endoscopic removal of benign juvenile colonic polyps during outpatient colonoscopy.
Regular follow-ups with our doctors and Physician Extenders for complete recovery.
One of the most essential aspects of pediatric GI care is recognizing that bleeding causes differ dramatically by age.
While infant blood-streaked diapers are often caused by temporary milk protein sensitivity, GI bleeding in teenagers may signal Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis). Our pediatric GI team provides specialized care from birth through age 21, ensuring teenagers receive age-appropriate, confidential, and cutting-edge IBD therapies.
Our pediatric gastroenterology team validates your concerns and crafts clear, reassuring care plans so your child or teenager can thrive.
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 GI symptoms can be frightening for children and teenagers. 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.
Offices located in Tampa, Lakeland, Bloomingdale, and Odessa for easy access near your home.
Have questions about gastrointestinal bleeding or preparing for a specialist visit? Here are common answers from our pediatric GI team.
View All General FAQsCauses vary significantly by age. In infants, milk protein allergy or diaper dermatitis are common. In school-aged children, constipation fissures, bacterial infections, or benign juvenile polyps are frequent. In teenagers and young adults, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis) and peptic ulcers are major considerations.
Minor streaks of bright red blood on toilet paper from hard bowel movements can usually be evaluated promptly during regular clinic hours. However, passing large volumes of blood, dark tarry stools, vomiting blood, feeling dizzy/weak, or experiencing severe abdominal pain requires immediate emergency medical evaluation.
Bright red blood (hematochezia) usually indicates bleeding in the lower GI tract, such as the rectum or colon. Dark, black, tarry stool (melena) indicates blood digested from upper GI sources like the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
Yes! PEDGI provides specialized pediatric gastroenterology care for patients from birth through age 21. We understand the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of teenagers and young adults, providing respectful, individualized care.
When endoscopy or colonoscopy is indicated, procedures are performed in dedicated pediatric facility settings under gentle pediatric sedation or general anesthesia managed by experienced pediatric anesthesiologists.
PEDGI prioritizes urgent gastrointestinal bleeding concerns. Non-emergent GI bleeding evaluations are typically scheduled within 24 to 48 hours across our 4 Tampa Bay clinic locations.
Get clear answers and expert relief for your child's gastrointestinal symptoms from Tampa Bay's trusted pediatric GI specialists.