What is indicated by the suffix "-itis" in medical terminology?

The suffix "-itis" in medical terminology specifically refers to inflammation of an organ or tissue. When this suffix is attached to a word, it implies that there is swelling, redness, heat, and pain associated with the affected area, which are classic signs of inflammation.

For example, appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix. The term indicates not just an infection, but specifically the inflammatory process occurring there. While inflammation can be caused by infection, the term "-itis" does not directly denote whether an infection is present; it simply indicates the inflammatory response. Therefore, understanding the definition of "-itis" is crucial for accurate medical coding and diagnosis, especially when determining the nature of a patient's condition.