WHAT IS RP?
Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is rare, systematic, potentially fatal inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. It consists of the deterioration and destruction of cartilage and cartilage-like structures in the body. This can include the ears, eyes, nose, throat, joints and even the internal organs.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS?
Every RP patient is different - they may have some, but not all, of the following symptoms:
- Ear pain, which may include swelling and redness
- Nose pain, which may include swelling and redness
- Throat pain, which may include change in voice, shortness of breath, dry cough
- Red, painful, swollen eyes
- Rib pain and tenderness
- Joint pain or swelling
- General malaise, low grade fever
DIAGNOSIS OF RP
A diagnosis of Relapsing Polychondritis is based on clinical symptoms as there currently is no blood test that can make a diagnosis. This makes RP very difficult to diagnosis causing a delay in treatments.
DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE RP?
If you think you or someone you know has RP, talk to your doctor. RP is considered rare, so it is important to rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis. Typically, a multidisciplinary team led by a Rheumatologist is assigned to patients dependent on the symptoms they display.