All About Relapsing Polychondritis

All About Relapsing Polychondritis

Health Reference

As I try to combat the Relapsing Polychondritis that has leaped to other parts of my body, I am frustrated.

My high doses of Prednisone were not enough to stop my last flare.

I began taking a low dose of Dapsone a couple of months ago.

I am not sure if the medication Dapsone is effective for me.

Even with an increase of my Dapsone dosage, most days my ears are hot. Not boiling hot but hot like a burning sunburn.

My left rib cartilage is becoming affected with Relapsing Polychondritis.

Ugh… I do not know if the Dapsone is helping.

Maybe, my Relapsing Polychondritis would have flared louder without the Dapsone?

So for the time being my mix of Prednisone and Dapsone to stop the spread of R.P. continues.

This HypoGal Blog post is for anyone trying to learn All About Relapsing Polychondritis.

What Is Relapsing Polychondritis? (Health Reference)

Relapsing Polychondritis is a rare chronic disease of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body

Relapsing Polychondritis is often difficult to diagnosis.

The most common symptom of Relapsing Polychondritis is the sudden cause of pain to the inflamed cartilage area.

What Are The Symptoms Of Relapsing Polychondritis?

  • Red Ear, tenderness, swelling, red rash (a pimple like) breakouts and redness in one or both ears. Relapsing Polychondritis has also been known to be called, “Red Ear”.The lobe of the ear does not have cartilage and is not does not have inflammation.
  • Tenderness may also affect the nose, throat, joints and eyes.
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Shortness Of Breath
  • Fatigue
  • Weight Loss

Relapsing Polychondritis Can Affect Any Cartilage Of The Body 

  • Inflammation of the ears and nose can cause the body’s cartilage to weaken and result in a saddle nose and floppy deformed ears. Inflammation of the inner ear may cause hearing impairments, nausea, and loss of balance.
  • Windpipe or trachea can lead to throat intense pain, loss of voice (hoarseness) and trouble breathing may develop. Some patients with serve Relapsing Polychondritis in the trachea area may require assistance to breathe.
  • Inflammation of joint (arthritis) can cause stiffness, swelling, redness of the joints. These joints include the hands, knees, ankles, wrists, and feet. Joint pain can make it difficult for a person to perform everyday duties.
  • Eye inflammation can be mild or severe and can damage vision. The steroids that treat the condition Relapsing Polychondritis may cause cataracts.
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

What Triggers Relapsing Polychondritis?

The causes or triggers of Relapsing Polychondritis are unknown.

Some medical experts suspect that environment may play a role.

It is also thought in the medical community that Relapsing Polychondritis may be related to other connective tissue diseases.

In 50 percent of Relapsing Polychondritis patients, there is confirmation of normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis.

 

What Type Of Doctor Treats Relapsing Polychondritis?

A Rheumatologist is the type of medical doctor that treats Relapsing Polychondritis.

What Type of Medication Is Used To Treat Relapsing Polychondritis?

There are medications to helpfully place Relapsing Polychondritis into remission.

Steroids are usually the first prescription medication to treat Relapsing Polychondritis.

The steroid Prednisone is administered in the acute phase and is tapered for maintenance.

Relapsing Polychondritis severe flares may require additional Prednisone.

Most Relapsing Polychondritis patients require a low daily dose of prednisone for maintenance.

Other Prescription Medications To Control Relapsing Polychondritis Symptoms:

  • Dapsone
  • Azathioprine
  • Methotrexate
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Cyclosporin

Is There A Cure For Relapsing Polychondritis?

There is no cure for Relapsing Polychondritis.

 

You may find this Relapsing Polychondritis YouTube Video Insightful

My Life With Relapsing Polychondritis

 

Relapsing Polychondritis Support Groups

Relapsing Polychondritis Foundation 

http://www.relapsingpolychondritis.org/support-groups/

 

I hope All About Relapsing Polychondritis health reference post has been useful. 

 

Health References/ Health Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relapsing_polychondritis

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331475-treatment

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/relapsing-polychondritis/

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7417/relapsing-polychondritis

 

You can find additional about Relapsing Polychondritis on the HypoGal Website.

 

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