Arteritis

/ˌɑːrtərˈaɪtɪs/ noun

Definition

Inflammation of one or more arteries, which can reduce blood flow and damage the vessel walls, sometimes causing pain and serious health problems.

Etymology

From Latin 'arteria' (artery) combined with the medical suffix '-itis' (inflammation), a standard formation in medical terminology. This condition has been recognized since ancient times but the term was formalized in modern medicine.

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Temporal arteritis is sneaky and dangerous—it causes older people's arteries to become inflamed and can suddenly blind them if untreated, yet it's easily controlled with steroids once diagnosed, making early detection life-changing.

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