Relapsing polychondritis is a series of painful inflammation outbreaks. It targets cartilage all around the body including the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe. Even the eyes, heart, and blood vessels may be affected because they consist of a biomaterial that is similar to cartilage.

The most common symptom of relapsing polychondritis is sudden pain, but there are other signs you can watch for as well; these include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Impaired hearing
• Difficulty talking or breathing
• Stiff joints
• Vision impairment