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What is the prevalence of Relapsing Polychondritis?

How many people does Relapsing Polychondritis affect? Does it have the same prevalence in men and women? And in the different countries?

Prevalence of Relapsing Polychondritis

Relapsing Polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage throughout the body. Due to its rarity, the prevalence of Relapsing Polychondritis is not well-established. However, it is estimated to affect approximately 3.5 to 4.5 per million people. The condition can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects individuals between 40 and 60 years old. Relapsing Polychondritis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not properly managed, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.



Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage throughout the body. Due to its rarity, the exact prevalence of RP is not well-established. However, it is estimated to affect approximately 3.5 to 4.5 per million people, making it a relatively uncommon condition.


RP can occur in individuals of any age, but it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. The disease can affect various cartilaginous structures, including the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, and deformity of the affected areas.


As an autoimmune disorder, RP occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cartilage, leading to inflammation and damage. The exact cause of RP is unknown, and there is no cure for the disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.


Due to the rarity of RP, it is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms to consult with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and management.


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12 answers
Ear, eye, nose as well as breathing problems all exhist with RP. More & more patients are being diagnosed as once was thought only a few people per million had this condition. I have personally known of more female than males to have but both do as well as children.

Posted Aug 14, 2017 by Susan 2000
I have read that we are 3 in a million people. It seems to affect women more than me, but I don't know that for a fact.

Posted Sep 1, 2017 by Diane 2050
Relapsing Polychondritis is extremely rare... and affects probably more women than men..but there are not many studies on the disease.

Posted Mar 20, 2018 by Lisa Matthews (Lissy) 4800
It is rare it affects 3-5 individuals per million

Posted Jun 12, 2019 by Tmrcarlson 3550
Relapsing polychondritis affects women, men and children. From my understanding there are under 5000 recorded episodes worldwide however that number is changing with awareness.

Posted Jun 12, 2019 by Kaz 3000
Relapsing polychondritis equally affects men and women. Children can get rp. It is very rare, however, with 3 per million only having this condition

Posted Dec 30, 2019 by Leanne 2500
The prevalence and annual incidence of Relapsing polychondritis (RP) are not known. The estimated incidence is 1/285,000. The sex ratio appears to be equal and all ethnic groups seem to be affected (with more cases reported among Caucasians).

Posted Dec 30, 2019 by Carrie 3050
I would guess that it has become more studied and more recognized because doctors have access to more research with the advent of the worldwide web. Awareness has probably boosted diagnosed cases.

Posted Mar 20, 2022 by shlawver 2500
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Affect more women, and I don't know how many are affected

Posted Oct 2, 2017 by Ana Luiza Bottura 2000
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The people affected are very minimal... and it is common in pesos as of the 3rd age

Posted Oct 2, 2017 by Kevin Ochoa 2000
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It prevails more among the women, and manifests itself usually after the age of 40 years.

Posted Oct 2, 2017 by Glaucia 1800

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World map of Relapsing Polychondritis

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Stories of Relapsing Polychondritis

RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS STORIES
Relapsing Polychondritis stories
The first time I noticed symptoms, I thought I was having an allergic reaction to something at work. My ears became so red and inflamed and hurt so bad. I let it go on for almost 3 days before finally going to a hospital where I was diagnosed with re...
Relapsing Polychondritis stories
It began with dry nose, nose bleeding and what my GP thought was a sinus infection. Antibiotics and prednisone perscribed, helped for a while, then reoccurred. Ear then swelled over twice the size - red, shiny and moist, GP again said outer ear infec...
Relapsing Polychondritis stories
i had progressively worsening breathing issues for many years before my diagnosis of rp.  I went through many specialists and tests and no one could identify why I was having breathing issues.  I had no outward signs of rp until one day my ears swe...
Relapsing Polychondritis stories
I have had strange symptoms before this came to light, but during my last trimester of my pregnancy with my youngest son, I had a severe respiratory infection that never seemed to get better. I have had exercise induced asthma since I was young and t...
Relapsing Polychondritis stories
I was officially diagnosed with RP 2 yrs ago. No one else in my family has it. It started approximately 5 years ago with ear flares, jumping from one to the other. My PCP happened to go to a conference where RP was discussed, and soon contacted me to...

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Relapsing Polychondritis forum

RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS FORUM
Relapsing Polychondritis forum
I don't think RP is as rare as we are led to believe. It seems many symptoms are unrelated. You go to an ortho doc for knee/joint pain. You go to an ENT for ears and throat. You go to an ophthalmologist for eyes. You go to a dermatologist for skin. T...

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