I'm having issues with pain in the cartilage of my ears. it's sharp and severe. also tends to flare when i'm sick. occurs in both ears.

Chondritis?: Several forms of chondritis occur (inflammation of cartilage often as a type of autoimmunity). Some effect only the ear and more serious forms affect cartilage all over the body (relapsing polychondritis). Recommend evaluation and history by your general doctor and then possibly by a specialist if needed. Disease can become severe and disfiguring.