What Does The Suffix “Itis” Mean In Medical Terms?
A suffix is a group of alphabets that are added at the end of a word to alter its meaning. The suffix “-itis” is derived originally from the Greek and refers to an inflammation of sorts or disease of some kind. The word “-itis” comes from a Greek suffix and can be traced back to the Greek noun “nostos” meaning disease. In ailments of the body where a particular organ or tissue swells or inflames the suffix is added at the end. Examples include Appendicitis for when the Appendix is inflamed, Arthritis for the joints, Tonsillitis for the inflammation of the Tonsils, Vulvitis for the Vulva, Colitis for the Colon, Dermatitis for the skin, Hepatitis of the Liver, Laryngitis for the Liver, Pancreatitis for the Pancreas, Rhinitis for the Nasal lining, Sinusitis for the sinus of the skull etc.
