Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Mucusy Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is often the most common cause of chronic diarrhea, characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and the presence of mucus in the stool without an identifiable cause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea with mucus, along with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
- Infectious Diarrhea: Certain infections, especially those caused by parasites like Giardia, can lead to chronic diarrhea with mucus.
- Microscopic Colitis: This condition involves inflammation of the colon and can cause chronic, watery diarrhea, often with mucus, and is more common in older adults.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Colorectal Cancer: Although less common, colorectal cancer can present with chronic diarrhea, mucus in the stool, and other symptoms like weight loss and blood in the stool. It's crucial to rule out this diagnosis, especially in older adults or those with a family history.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Certain tumors, such as carcinoids, can produce substances that lead to chronic diarrhea.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can cause chronic diarrhea among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphocytic Colitis: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the colon, leading to chronic diarrhea.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare disorder involving eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause chronic diarrhea among other symptoms.
- VIPoma: A rare neuroendocrine tumor that secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to severe, chronic diarrhea.