Differential Diagnosis for Green Stools in a 6-Month-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Normal variation in stool color: At 6 months, infants are often introduced to a variety of foods, which can cause changes in stool color. Green stools can be a result of the consumption of green vegetables or iron supplements, which are common at this age.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause green stools due to the presence of bile and the rapid transit of stool through the intestines.
- Food intolerance or allergy: An intolerance or allergy to certain foods, such as dairy or soy, can lead to green stools.
- Overfeeding or foremilk imbalance: In breastfed infants, an imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk can cause green, frothy stools.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, which can cause bloody, green stools, and is a medical emergency.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: Any obstruction in the intestines can cause vomiting, abdominal distension, and changes in stool color, including green stools.
- Infectious diarrhea (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli): Certain bacterial infections can cause severe diarrhea, which may be green in color, and can lead to dehydration and other complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Biliary atresia: A congenital condition where the bile ducts are blocked, leading to green stools due to the absence of bile in the stool.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause malabsorption and changes in stool color, including green stools.
- Congenital infections (e.g., congenital CMV): Certain congenital infections can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including changes in stool color.