What is relapsing polychondritis?
A person with relapsing polychondritis has a rare illness that causes inflammation of the cartilage in the body. Organs that contain cartilage become swollen, including the eyes, heart and blood vessels. The underlying cause for relapsing polychondritis is unknown, but the immune system plays a role. The immune system, which normally fights infection, mistakenly attacks the cartilage throughout the body.

What are the symptoms of relapsing polychondritis?
Symptoms of relapsing polychondritis include pain, redness, and swelling of the ears, nose and joints. Additional symptoms of relapsing polychondritis include back pain, neck pain, hoarse voice, eye pain, blurry vision, and cataracts.

How does the doctor treat relapsing polychondritis?
Treatment for relapsing polychondritis includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and medications that suppress the immune system.