A patient with diarrhea, weight loss, and steatorrhea is most likely suffering from which condition?

A patient presenting with diarrhea, weight loss, and steatorrhea is most likely suffering from celiac disease. This autoimmune condition is triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The malabsorption that occurs due to damage to the intestinal mucosa leads to the characteristic symptoms mentioned.

Diarrhea is common as the body is unable to properly absorb nutrients and fat, leading to steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in the stool. Weight loss often occurs because the patient is not only losing fluids but also failing to absorb essential nutrients, resulting in a significant reduction in body weight.

While lactase deficiency can lead to diarrhea, it typically causes lactose intolerance symptoms such as bloating and gas after the consumption of lactose-containing foods, rather than steatorrhea or significant weight loss. Short bowel syndrome results from surgical removal or congenital defects affecting significant portions of the intestine. It can lead to malabsorption as well, but is usually related to specific surgical history or anatomical changes, making it less likely in this scenario. Irritable bowel syndrome is primarily a functional gastrointestinal disorder that does not cause the malabsorption of fats nor is it associated with steatorrhea, making it an unlikely diagnosis for the patient