Polychondritis is a rare disease where cartilage in the body becomes inflamed, it most commonly affects the ears, nose and the airways of the lungs.
Polychondritis is recurrent swelling and inflammation of cartilage and other tissues throughout the body, occurring most often in people in their 50s-60s. Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones at a joint and gives shape and support to other parts of the body. The disease most commonly affects the cartilage of the ears, nose and the airways of the lungs.
Polychondritis is a chronic condition, however, medications can reduce the severity of symptoms. Since the disease is so rare, there is no single best treatment; treatment depends on what parts of the body is affected and the severity of symptoms. Physiotherapy can help manage the symptoms and maintain strength of the body through the duration of the condition.
Unfortunately, the cause of polychondritis is not known. It has been suggested that this condition is an autoimmune disease caused by a viral infection.
Polychondritis is a body-wide illness. Common symptoms include:
More rarely: eye inflammation, leaky heart valves, kidney disease, neurological problems, rash
Other common treatments for this condition are immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.
Are you suffering from painful Polychondritis? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
