For 13 years, I lived in a body that felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. I saw specialists for my ears, my joints, and my breathing, but no one connected the dots.
In 2025, the puzzle was finally finished. I was diagnosed with Relapsing Polychondritis.
If you’ve been told your symptoms are 'unrelated' or 'fine,' this story is for you."
Understanding Relapsing Polychondritis: More Than Just "Red Ears"
If you’ve ever experienced sudden, painful swelling in your ears or nose that doesn't seem like a typical infection, you may have come across the term Relapsing Polychondritis (RP).
Because it affects only about 3.5 people per million, RP is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. In this post, we’ll break down what this condition is, the "red flags" to look for, and how it’s managed today.
What is Relapsing Polychondritis?
Relapsing Polychondritis is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. In simple terms, your immune system—which is supposed to protect you—begins to attack the healthy cartilage in your body.
Since cartilage is the "flexible glue" that holds much of our anatomy together, the inflammation can happen anywhere from your ears and nose to your joints and even your windpipe.
The "Red Flags": Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark of RP is that it is episodic. You may feel perfectly fine, then experience a "flare" where symptoms become intense.
1. The "Bright Red Ear"
The most common sign is a red, swollen, and extremely painful outer ear.
The Key Clue: In RP, the earlobe is spared. Because the earlobe doesn't contain cartilage, it remains normal while the rest of the ear turns purple or red. This helps doctors distinguish it from a skin infection (cellulitis).
2. Nasal Tenderness
Inflammation can strike the bridge of the nose, causing pain and a "stuffy" feeling without any cold symptoms. Over time, repeated flares can cause the bridge to weaken, leading to a "saddle nose" shape.
3. Migratory Joint Pain
Many patients experience arthritis that seems to "move" from one joint to another—one day it’s the wrist, the next it’s the knee.
4. Breathing and Voice Changes
This is the most serious symptom. Cartilage keeps your airway (trachea) open. If that cartilage becomes inflamed, you might notice:
A persistent, dry cough.
A hoarse voice.
Shortness of breath.
Why is it So Hard to Diagnose?
Because RP is so rare, many doctors haven't seen a case in person. It is often mistaken for:
Severe allergies.
Ear or sinus infections.
Standard Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Diagnosis usually requires a specialist (a Rheumatologist) who looks at the "clinical picture"—the combination of your symptoms, blood tests for inflammation (CRP and ESR), and sometimes imaging like a CT scan.
Treatment and Living with RP
While there is currently no cure, the goal of treatment is to "calm" the immune system and prevent damage to vital organs.
Mild Flares: Often managed with NSAIDs or specific medications like Dapsone.
Moderate/Severe Flares: Corticosteroids (like Prednisone) are the standard for bringing down swelling quickly.
Long-term Maintenance: Doctors may prescribe "biologics" or immunosuppressants to prevent future flares and protect the airway.
Final Thoughts
Relapsing Polychondritis is a journey that requires a dedicated medical team and a lot of self-advocacy. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, don't settle for "it's just an infection" if it keeps coming back. Early intervention is the key to protecting your cartilage and your health.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
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Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you taking the time. Have a great day! Sheri