What condition does the suffix '-itis' denote?

The suffix '-itis' indicates inflammation of a specific body part or organ. In medical terminology, this suffix is commonly used to describe various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), and bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). When you see '-itis' used in a term, it signals that there is an inflammatory response occurring in the area designated by the root word. This is crucial in understanding diagnoses and conditions that involve swelling, redness, heat, and pain associated with inflammation.

While conditions and infections may be related to inflammation, '-itis' specifically denotes the inflammatory aspect rather than just a generic condition or a broader definition that might include tumors or infections.