What does the suffix "-itis" indicate in medical terms?

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. When you see a word that ends with "-itis," it points to a condition characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain, typically indicative of an inflammatory response in the body. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, while "gastritis" indicates inflammation of the stomach lining. This suffix helps healthcare professionals quickly understand that the term pertains to an inflammatory condition, which is critical in diagnosing and treating various medical issues.