Relapsing Polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is a multi-systemic condition characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation and deterioration of cartilage. The often painful disease can cause joint deformity and be life-threatening if the respiratory tract, heart valves, or blood vessels are affected. Relapsing polychondritis is a disease characterized by autoimmune-like episodic or progressive inflammation of cartilage and other connective tissue, such as the nose, ears, throat, joints, kidneys, and heart.

SYMPTOMS

• A dip in the bridge of your nose ("saddle nose" or "pug nose")
• Ear pain and redness.
• Red, painful, and swollen eyes.
• Painful, swollen joints (hands, fingers, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, toes, pelvis)
• Rib pain.
• Throat or neck pain.
• Trouble breathing and speaking.

CAUSES

It is suspected that this condition is caused by "autoimmunity." Autoimmunity is Characterized by a misdirected immune system. This results in inflammation in various tissues of the body.