The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with relapsing polychondritis (RP) varies from person to person. In general, RP is a chronic and progressive (worsening overtime) condition. Some form of disability is common in the later stages of RP; these may include visual impairment, hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and/or cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) disease.
Severe cases of RP can be life-threatening. Respiratory complications (windpipe collapse and infections) are the most common cause of death followed by cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) involvement.