Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes repeated episodes of inflammation and deterioration of cartilage, the flexible connective tissue found throughout the body. This disease primarily targets cartilage, which is a tough but elastic tissue that provides structure and cushioning in various parts of the body, including the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. Because cartilage lacks its own blood supply, damage to it can be particularly problematic and slow to heal.
In RP, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cartilage, leading to inflammation, swelling, and gradual destruction of this tissue. The term “relapsing” reflects the disease’s characteristic pattern of flare-ups and remissions, where symptoms worsen during attacks and partially improve or stabilize between them. The “polychondritis” part of the name means inflammation of multiple cartilaginous areas.
The most commonly affected sites include the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. For example, the outer ear’s cartilage often becomes red, swollen, and painful during flare-ups, but the earlobes remain unaffected because they do not contain cartilage. Repeated inflammation can cause the ear cartilage to weaken and collapse, leading to a characteristic “cauliflower ear” deformity. Similarly, nasal cartilage involvement can cause the nose to become red and tender, and over time, the bridge of the nose may collapse, resulting in a saddle-nose deformity.
Joints are also frequently involved in RP. The inflammation affects the cartilage within joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Unlike typical arthritis, the joint inflammation in RP is due to cartilage destruction rather than primarily bone or synovial membrane involvement. This can cause chronic joint problems and deformities if not managed properly.
Beyond ears, nose, and joints, RP can affect other cartilage-rich tissues such as the respiratory tract, including the trachea and bronchi. Inflammation here can cause breathing difficulties, airway collapse, and potentially life-threatening complications. The disease can also involve the eyes, heart valves, and blood vessels, reflecting its systemic autoimmune nature.
The exact cause of RP is unknown, but it is understood to be an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. It does not typically run in families, although genetic factors may influence susceptibility. Because RP is rare and its symptoms overlap with other conditions, it is often misdiagnosed initially as infections or allergic reactions.
Symptoms of RP vary depending on which cartilage is affected but generally include redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected areas. These symptoms come and go in episodes that can last days to weeks. Over time, repeated inflammation leads to cartilage damage, structural changes, and functional impairment.
Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing cartilage destruction. This usually involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to minimize long-term damage to cartilage and joints.
In summary, Relapsing Polychondritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent inflammation that targets cartilage throughout the body. It causes pain, swelling, and progressive damage to cartilage in the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract, leading to deformities and functional problems if untreated. Managing RP requires careful medical supervision to control inflammation and protect cartilage integrity.