Differential Diagnosis for Patient with Colitis and Yellowish Diarrhea

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Infection (e.g., Clostridioides difficile): This is a common complication in patients with a history of colitis, especially if they have been exposed to antibiotics. The recent onset of yellowish diarrhea could be indicative of a C. difficile infection, which is known to cause severe diarrhea and colitis.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Relapse of underlying colitis: The yellowish diarrhea could be a sign of an exacerbation of the patient's underlying colitis, which may require adjustment of their current treatment regimen.
  • Bacterial overgrowth: Patients with colitis may be at increased risk for bacterial overgrowth, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Giardiasis: This parasitic infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and may be more common in patients with underlying gastrointestinal conditions.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Toxic megacolon: This is a life-threatening complication of colitis that can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms. It requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent perforation and other serious complications.
  • Fulminant colitis: This is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of colitis that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. It requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent serious complications.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Whipple's disease: This rare bacterial infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as systemic symptoms such as fever and weight loss.
  • Lymphocytic colitis: This rare form of colitis can cause chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and may be more common in patients with underlying autoimmune disorders.
  • Eosinophilic colitis: This rare form of colitis can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and may be more common in patients with underlying allergic or autoimmune disorders.