What does the suffix '-algia' indicate?

The suffix '-algia' is derived from Greek and is commonly used in medical terminology to denote pain. When attached to a root word related to a specific part of the body, it signifies discomfort or pain associated with that area. For instance, 'neuralgia' refers to pain along the path of a nerve, while 'fibromyalgia' pertains to widespread musculoskeletal pain. Understanding this suffix is essential in health science, as it helps in accurately identifying and communicating the symptoms experienced by patients.

The other options reflect different medical concepts. For instance, infection relates to the presence of pathogens, swelling indicates an increase in volume or size usually due to inflammation or fluid buildup, and growth pertains to an increase in size or mass of cells or tissues. None of these concepts align with the meaning of '-algia.'