Relapsing Polychondritis (cont.)
What is the long-term outlook (prognosis) for patients with relapsing polychondritis?
The course of symptoms for patients with relapsing polychondritis is
often unpredictable.
Repeated bouts of inflammation of cartilage from relapsing
polychondritis frequently leads to permanent destruction of the
involved tissues and results in disability. Destruction of nose and
ear cartilage results in deformity and can impair breathing when the
trachea is affected.
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. Close monitoring of symptoms with a
qualified doctor is recommended for optimal results.
- Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic
disorder of the cartilage.
- Relapsing polychondritis is characterized by
recurrent episodes of painful inflammation.
- Relapsing polychondritis can involve all types of
cartilage.
- Typical cartilage tissues affected include the ears,
nose, and joints.
- There is no one specific test for diagnosing relapsing
polychondritis.
- Treatment usually involves cortisone-related
medications.
- The course of symptoms for patients is often unpredictable.
Last Editorial Review: 9/17/2007
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
- Sedimentation Rate - Learn more about sedimentation rate, including a description of the test, how it is performed, and normal rate measurements.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
Latest Medical News
Arthritis RSS