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Differential Diagnosis for Green Poo in Toddler

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Normal variation in stool color: Green poo can be a normal variation in stool color, especially in toddlers who are breastfed or have a diet rich in green vegetables. The color change is usually harmless and resolves on its own.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause green, watery stools in toddlers. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain often accompany gastroenteritis.
  • Dietary factors: Consuming foods or drinks with green food coloring, such as green Kool-Aid or green Jell-O, can temporarily turn stool green.
  • Intestinal malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease or lactose intolerance can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in green, frothy stools.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Intussusception: A serious condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, causing bowel obstruction. Green, bloody stools can be a sign of intussusception, which requires immediate medical attention.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause green, bloody stools, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Bacterial infections: Certain bacterial infections, such as Salmonella or E. coli, can cause green, watery stools, and may lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Biliary atresia: A rare congenital condition where the bile ducts are blocked, causing green, clay-like stools.
  • Alagille syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the liver, heart, and other organs, causing green, frothy stools, and other systemic symptoms.
  • Congenital infections: Certain congenital infections, such as congenital syphilis, can cause green, watery stools, although this is extremely rare.

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.

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