In medical terms, what does the suffix '-itis' suggest about a condition?

The suffix '-itis' in medical terminology indicates that a condition is characterized by inflammation. This can apply to various body parts and systems, such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) or gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). The presence of '-itis' signifies that there is an inflammatory response occurring, which can result from various factors, including infections, autoimmune responses, or irritants.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of this suffix. While inflammation can occur due to bacterial infection, the suffix itself does not specify the cause, nor does it imply the condition is life-threatening or a healing process.