Differential Diagnosis for Greenish Diarrhea
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of greenish diarrhea, often resulting from a viral or bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The green color can be due to the presence of bile, which is not fully absorbed due to rapid transit through the intestines.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Food poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to greenish diarrhea, depending on the type of bacteria or toxin ingested. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, which may appear greenish due to the presence of blood or bile.
- Malabsorption: Issues with nutrient absorption, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, can lead to greenish diarrhea due to undigested nutrients passing through the intestines.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cholera: A severe and potentially life-threatening infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea that can be greenish in color.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, leading to bowel obstruction and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, it can occasionally cause diarrhea, which may be greenish if the appendix ruptures and releases bile into the intestines.
- Rare diagnoses
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to greenish diarrhea, although it is more commonly associated with pale, greasy stools.
- Whipple's disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption and greenish diarrhea, among other symptoms.
- Bile duct obstruction: A blockage in the bile ducts can cause bile to leak into the intestines, resulting in greenish diarrhea, although this is typically accompanied by jaundice and other symptoms.