POLYCHONDRITIS

disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of cartilages. The disease begins in middle age and most often affects the external ear and the nose; there is painful swelling of the joints when their cartilage is affected. Involvement of the trachea may obstruct breathing or lead to pneumonia. Relapsing polychondritis may affect the inner ear and cause deafness, or it may cause inflammation of the eyes. Corticosteroid drugs are administered to moderate the symptoms of the disease, but the effects on the cartilage cannot be reversed.