What does the suffix "-itis" suggest about a medical condition?

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. For example, "arthritis" refers to the inflammation of the joints, while "appendicitis" refers to the inflammation of the appendix. This suffix indicates not only the presence of an inflammatory process but often hints at the symptoms associated with that inflammation, such as swelling, pain, redness, and heat. Understanding that "-itis" signifies inflammation is essential for interpreting a wide range of medical conditions accurately.