Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Diarrhea

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is often considered the most likely diagnosis for chronic diarrhea due to its high prevalence and the fact that it can present with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic diarrhea, without an identifiable cause.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain and weight loss.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although more commonly associated with heartburn, some patients with GERD may experience diarrhea.
  • Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, can lead to chronic diarrhea in affected individuals.
  • Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to chronic diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to damage in the small intestine and chronic diarrhea. Missing this diagnosis can lead to malnutrition and other complications.
  • Colon Cancer: Although less common, chronic diarrhea can be a symptom of colon cancer, especially in older adults. Early detection is crucial for treatment and survival.
  • Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic diarrhea.
  • Infectious Causes: Chronic infections such as giardiasis or chronic parasitic infections can cause persistent diarrhea and must not be overlooked.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
  • Short Bowel Syndrome: A condition that results from a significant loss of intestinal tissue, leading to malabsorption and chronic diarrhea.
  • VIPoma: A rare tumor that produces vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to severe, chronic diarrhea.
  • Microscopic Colitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the colon lining, which can cause chronic, watery diarrhea.

Related Questions

Which of the following statements about the brachial artery is false: it travels through the anterior compartment of the arm, it gives off the deep artery (profunda brachii artery) of the arm to the posterior compartment of the arm, it begins at the inferior border of the teres minor muscle as a continuation of the axillary artery, or it terminates at the level of the radial head by bifurcating into the radial artery and the ulnar artery?
What are the indications for administering Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in the Emergency Department (ED)?
What is the management of pityriasis alba?
What is the initial management for a patient diagnosed with VIPoma (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-oma)?
What is the recommended treatment for hyperlipidemia in young type 1 diabetics with dyslipidemia?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question