Is Polychondritis serious?

Relapsing polychondritis is potentially dangerous and even life threatening, depending on the tissues involved. Inflammation of the cartilage of the windpipe (trachea), heart, aorta, and other blood vessels can be fatal. For some patients, however, the disease is much more limited and mild.

Is Polychondritis curable?

Flares of this disease come and go. The severity of the flares as well as how often they occur will vary from person to person. Although there is currently no cure for relapsing polychondritis, it is often effectively treated with medications.

How long can you live with relapsing polychondritis?

In earlier studies, the 5-year survival rate associated with relapsing polychondritis was reported to be 66%-74% (45% if relapsing polychondritis occurs with systemic vasculitis), with a 10-year survival rate of 55%. More recently, Trentham and Le found a survival rate of 94% at 8 years.

Can Polychondritis be mild?

Symptoms of Relapsing Polychondritis Typically, one ear or both ears (but not the ear lobes) become red, swollen, and very painful. At the same time or later, a person can develop joint inflammation (arthritis), which may be mild or severe.

What are the common signs of relapsing polychondritis?

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Does relapsing polychondritis have a cure?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for relapsing polychondritis. Therefore, the main mode of treatment is to relieve symptoms by decreasing the amount of inflammation. The use of over counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin or Advil, can help manage pain. If symptoms are troubling, your doctor may suggest using steroid medication.

What is the prognosis of relapsing polychondritis (RP)?

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.

What does relapsing polychondritis mean?

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune and inflammatory disease , particularly characterized by recurrent inflammation of the hyaline cartilage .