Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder that is most common in males. About 1 in 10 African American males in the United States has it.
What it does
G6PD deficiency mainly affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. The most common medical problem it causes is hemolytic anemia: red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
Symptoms
Many people with G6PD deficiency have no symptoms. Symptoms appear when red blood cells are exposed to certain chemicals in food or medicines, to certain bacterial or viral infections, or to stress. They can include:
- paleness;
- jaundice;
- dark urine;
- fatigue;
- shortness of breath;
- an enlarged spleen;
- a rapid heart rate.
Diagnosis and treatment
A blood test can show whether you have it. Treatment includes medicines for infections, avoiding the substances that harm red blood cells, and sometimes blood transfusions.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "G6PD Deficiency." https://medlineplus.gov/g6pddeficiency.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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