Inflammation of cartilage:

• The ears and/or the nose may become swollen, red, warm and tender. The throat may become tender or the voice hoarse.

Destruction and thickening of cartilage:

• Collapse or thickening of the outer ears.
• Collapse of the bridge of the nose referred to as a saddlenose.
• Difficulty breathing due to thickening or the collapse of the trachea.

Arthritis:

• Pain and swelling of the joints
• Rib pain (costochondritis)

Hearing and Balance Problems Eye inflammation:

• Red, painful and swollen eyes due to one of the following uveitis, iritis, scleritis, episcleritis, conjunctivitis.

Vasculitis:

• Involvement with large vessels particularly the ascending aorta.
• Rashes or organ specific problems.

Renal Involvement:

• Glomerulonephritis

Other

• Many other problems have been described in patients with RP.
• 30% of patients may suffer from another autoimmune disease.