"Just Keep Swimming"

Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare and degenerative autoimmune disease that affects cartilage in the body. Not much is known about RP. Relapsing polychondritis (RP) causes a systemic inflammatory response that can be fatal without proper care and treatment. RP can affect multiple organs in the body; however, it primarily affects the cartilaginous structures in the ears, nose, airways, and joints. It can also affect the eyes, skin, heart valves, and brain.

The signs and symptoms of RP vary from patient to patient. The most common early signs and symptoms include:

• Inflammation, redness, swelling, or pain of the outer ear
• Redness and pain in the eyes
• Sore throat, neck pain, or a hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or a dry cough
• Hearing loss, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Pain and redness of the nose
• Skin lesions
• Joint pain or swelling
• Rib or sternum pain
• General malaise, low-grade fever, loss of appetite

List of symptoms is not comprehensive.

The cause of relapsing polychondritis is unknown. Some researchers believe RP is an autoimmune disease that occurs when antibodies attack cartilaginous tissue. Other researchers believe RP is caused by a sensitivity to Type II collagen, a substance found in skin and connective tissues.

Finding the cause of relapsing polychondritis is an important step toward finding treatments and cures. That’s why we invest so heavily in research.

Relapsing polychondritis is extremely difficult to diagnose for a couple of reasons. First, it’s an extremely rare disease that isn’t well-known to the medical community. Second, since the cause is unknown, there is no available blood test to make a rapid diagnosis. As a result, diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and signs that fit the pattern consistent with RP. 

If RP isn’t diagnosed early and treated effectively, there can be irreversible damage and long-term complications for patients.

Treatment for RP is currently focused on managing symptoms and preserving the affected cartilage. RP is a complex condition that requires a team approach to patient care. We recommend the following:

• Dermatologists or specialists in infectious diseases should be involved early to evaluate the patient for infectious causes of cellulitis or perichondritis.
• Rheumatologists should also be involved early and often become the patient’s primary care provider.
• Ophthalmologists should also be involved early to diagnose, monitor, and treat the potentially devastating complications that can occur with the patient’s eyes.
• Cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists, and otolaryngologists can help manage other aspects of RP.
• Plastic surgeons can provide nasal reconstruction if the patient experiences saddle nose deformity.

 It can feel overwhelming and hopeless to receive a diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis. The Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation is  working to change this by investing in research. They have  also collected a list of excellent patient resources to help you better understand your diagnosis and find support. For more information on patient support please visit. https://polychondritis.org/patient-support/