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: October 27, 2025View 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 Greasy Stools

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pancreatic Insufficiency: This condition, where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, is a common cause of greasy stools (steatorrhea) due to the malabsorption of fats.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to inflammation and damage in the small intestine, which can result in malabsorption of fats and other nutrients.
  • Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption, which can cause greasy stools.
  • Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): A condition where there is an abnormal increase in the bacteria that inhabit the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption and symptoms like bloating, gas, and greasy stools.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can lead to severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. It affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices, leading to malabsorption and greasy stools.
  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei, which can lead to malabsorption, weight loss, and other systemic symptoms, including greasy stools.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Abetalipoproteinemia: A rare inherited disorder that affects the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, leading to severe deficiencies and symptoms including greasy stools.
  • Short Bowel Syndrome: A condition where a significant portion of the small intestine is missing or not functioning, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including fats, resulting in greasy stools.
  • Lipid Storage Diseases: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the breakdown and storage of lipids, which can lead to the accumulation of lipids in the body and symptoms like greasy stools in some cases.

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.