Which condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract?

The condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This term encompasses two primary disorders: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both of these conditions involve ongoing inflammation that can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a functional disorder and does not involve inflammation, IBD is specifically marked by histological changes in the intestinal mucosa and may result in serious complications, such as strictures and fistulas. Furthermore, celiac disease involves an immune reaction to gluten rather than generalized inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unrelated to the gastrointestinal system as it primarily affects lung function.

Thus, IBD is the correct answer due to its distinct feature of chronic inflammation that affects the gastrointestinal tract, differentiating it from the other conditions listed.