What does the suffix "-itis" indicate?

The suffix "-itis" indicates inflammation. This term is commonly used in medical terminology to describe inflammatory conditions affecting various tissues or organs in the body. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, "tendinitis" refers to inflammation of the tendons, and "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin.

Understanding this suffix is crucial in the medical field, as it provides immediate insight into the nature of a condition being discussed. For anyone in healthcare, recognizing "-itis" helps in diagnosing and communicating about different inflammatory conditions effectively.