What does the suffix -itis signify in medical terminology?

The suffix -itis is derived from Greek, where it specifically indicates inflammation in a particular tissue or organ. This is a crucial term in medical terminology as it helps categorize various diseases and conditions related to inflammatory processes. For example, conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of joints), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities) all utilize this suffix to denote inflammation as a key component of the disease. Thus, recognizing -itis as signifying inflammation allows healthcare professionals to communicate effectively about conditions that involve this response in the body.