How do I know if I have Relapsing Polychondritis?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Relapsing Polychondritis. People who have experience in Relapsing Polychondritis offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the cartilage in the body. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation in various cartilaginous structures, such as the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. Diagnosing RP can be challenging as its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. However, there are several key signs and symptoms that can help determine if you may have Relapsing Polychondritis:

1. Cartilage inflammation: RP typically involves inflammation of the cartilage in the ears, nose, and/or joints. This can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in these areas. The inflammation may come and go in episodes, with periods of remission in between.

2. Respiratory symptoms: RP can affect the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, it may cause wheezing or a hoarse voice.

3. Eye involvement: Some individuals with RP may experience eye-related symptoms, including redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, it can lead to vision problems or even blindness.

4. Joint pain and swelling: RP can cause inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. The joints most commonly affected are the large joints, such as the knees, elbows, and wrists.

5. Other symptoms: RP can also manifest with other systemic symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, and general malaise. These symptoms may be present during active episodes of inflammation.

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They will likely perform a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and may order additional tests to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Relapsing Polychondritis.

Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you may have Relapsing Polychondritis or any other medical condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

Diseasemaps

Posted Aug 14, 2017 by Susan 2000

For me, the red ears was significant. Not many diseases cause your ears to get red, painful, and inflamed. My ear canals will swell shut. But not everyone has the same symptoms. I was lucky to be diagnosed by an Internal Medicine doctor after I moved to Texas. My doctor said that most doctors learn about RP in med school, but they never see a case of it, so they forget about it.

Posted Sep 1, 2017 by Diane 2050

By monitoring symptoms. The obvious signs can be any or all of the following:

Swollen, red, tender ears.
inflamed tender nose
hoarse voice
stridor
dry cough
breathlessness
saddle nose
painful swollen joints
inflammation of cartilage
red, swollen eyes.

Posted Mar 20, 2018 by Lisa Matthews (Lissy) 4800

Tour wars start looking funny and your nose

Posted Jun 12, 2019 by Tmrcarlson 3550

I first experienced an episode of scleritis. It was suspected at that time I may have an autoimmune disease as scleritis is linked to several autoimmune conditions. I then awoke one morning several months later with a swollen, very red nose. I felt like I had been smashed in the face with a baseball bat. The swelling lasted near 2-3 weeks. Prior to this I experienced episodes of ear canal pain without evidence of infection. I also had intermittent facial swelling and ongoing pain in the left eye. From there other joints like ribs, knees, wrists, feet and shoulders began to swell and ache. I developed oesophageal dysmotility, dynamic tracheal collapse and pericardial effusion and thyroid swelling. MRIs showed chondropathy and effusions in joints and oedema. After 2 years and numerous specialists I was diagnosed with severe relapsing polychondritis.

Posted Jun 12, 2019 by Kaz 3000

Visit your gp and get a referral to a rheumatologist. Keep a diary of symptoms and take photos of flares

Posted Dec 30, 2019 by Leanne 2500

Back to symptoms of red, hot, painful swollen ears, nose, joints, fatigue, pain, headaches, swelling, reaching difficulties etc

Posted Dec 30, 2019 by Carrie 3050

Extreme pain and swelling of joints, soft bone tissue, shrinking of cartilage supported physical features, Loss of voice control and the ability to sing [damaged vocal chords] clinical exhaustion, red rashes.

Posted Mar 20, 2022 by shlawver 2500