Which syndrome is defined as a condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits?

The condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects the colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and variations in bowel habits, which can include diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.

It is important to recognize that IBS does not cause structural changes in the intestines, and its diagnosis is often based on symptoms rather than specific diagnostic tests. The chronic nature of the abdominal pain, often relieved by defecation, and the patterns of bowel habit changes distinguish IBS from other gastrointestinal conditions.

In contrast, inflammatory bowel disease involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which may present with more severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea and weight loss. Gastroesophageal reflux disease primarily affects the esophagus and does not typically manifest with abdominal pain or altered bowel habits as core symptoms. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, leading to malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms, but it is not primarily defined by the chronic pain and altered bowel habits characteristic of IBS.

Thus, the precise definition of IBS aligns directly with the symptoms described, confirming it as the correct answer.