Relapsing Polychondritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Relapsing Polychondritis?
A rheumatologist (a doctor who treats autoimmune and joint diseases) usually leads care for relapsing polychondritis. Eye doctors (ophthalmologists) and kidney doctors (nephrologists) may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is relapsing polychondritis?
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease in which cartilage in many areas of the body becomes inflamed. Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones at a joint. It also gives shape and support to other parts of the body. The swelling and inflammation come back again and again. The disease most commonly affects the ears, nose, and the airways of the lungs. It is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease. Medicines can often reduce how severe the symptoms are. Sometimes the disease goes into remission. This means it goes away for a while, whether or not the person is treated.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ from person to person. They depend on which parts of the body are affected.
- Ears: Symptoms usually begin with sudden pain, tenderness, and swelling of the cartilage of one or both ears. Repeated attacks may lead to hearing loss.
- Nose: The cartilage at the bridge of the nose can collapse, which causes a saddle nose shape. Stuffiness or crusting can also occur.
- Joints: Large and small joints can have pain and swelling, similar to arthritis.
- Airways: Cartilage involvement may cause breathing and speech difficulties.
- Other body parts: The eyes, heart, skin, kidneys, and nervous system may also be involved.
Many people also have a cough, wheezing, a hoarse voice, or ringing in the ears. Heart valve problems and kidney inflammation may also occur.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of relapsing polychondritis is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the body rather than foreign invaders such as viruses. One theory is that an event, perhaps an infection, sets off an immune attack on the body's cartilage. Some people may have a genetic makeup that makes them more prone to this. The disease does not seem to run in families. It sometimes appears in people who have other diseases. Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), and lupus. It affects males and females in equal numbers. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 40 and 60.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and a clinical examination. Other, more common conditions may need to be ruled out first. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and Behcet syndrome can have similar symptoms. If a diagnosis stays unclear, a university hospital may help. These centers bring together teams of specialists to look at your symptoms.
Treatment
The main goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and to keep the structure of the affected cartilage. Treatment usually involves corticosteroid drugs (steroid medicines), such as prednisone. In extreme cases, medicines that suppress the immune system may be recommended. Examples are cyclophosphamide, 6-mercaptopurine, and azathioprine. In the most severe cases, a heart valve may need to be replaced. A breathing tube may also be needed for collapsed airways.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have sudden pain, tenderness, and swelling in the cartilage of one or both ears. This is how symptoms usually begin. Tell your doctor about any breathing or speech difficulties. These may happen when airway cartilage is involved. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing. Do the same for chest pain lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be your main point of contact. They can order tests and refer you to specialists.
Common questions
Is relapsing polychondritis an autoimmune disease?
It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, but the exact cause is not known. In an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the body rather than foreign invaders such as viruses.
Does relapsing polychondritis run in families?
The disease does not seem to run in families. Some people may have a genetic makeup that makes them more prone to it.
Which parts of the body can relapsing polychondritis affect?
It most commonly affects the ears, nose, and the airways of the lungs. Joints, eyes, the heart, blood vessels, skin, kidneys, and the nervous system may also be involved.
Can relapsing polychondritis go away?
Sometimes the disease goes into remission. This means it goes away for a while, whether or not the person is treated. It is a long-lasting disease. Medicines can often reduce how severe the symptoms are.
Sources
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Relapsing Polychondritis
- Autoimmune Association - Relapsing Polychondritis
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Relapsing polychondritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
