What does the suffix “-itis” commonly indicate?

The suffix “-itis” is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. It is derived from the Greek word "itis," which specifically refers to inflammation. For example, in conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), the use of “-itis” clearly indicates that the primary pathology involves some form of inflammatory response. This suffix is pivotal in conveying the nature of medical conditions, as inflammation often implies a response to injury, infection, or disease, making it a key term in the lexicon of healthcare. Understanding this suffix is essential for deciphering a wide array of medical terms that describe different inflammatory conditions in the body.