G6PD deficiency stands for a deficiency in an enzyme known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. In people with G6PD deficiency, factors like infections, certain medications, or ingesting fava beans can lead to red blood cells being destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
Signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemia include
- paleness,
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice),
- dark urine,
- shortness of breath,
- fatigue, and
- a rapid heart rate.
Cause of G6PD deficiency
G6PD deficiency is a genetic (inherited) condition that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. This causes the condition known as hemolytic anemia. The gene for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is located on the X chromosome, so the condition tends to affect men more often than women since men have only one copy of the X chromosome.
Other g6pd deficiency symptoms and signs
- Dark Urine
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Shortness of Breath
- Yellowing of the Skin and Whites of the Eyes (Jaundice)
Main Article on G6PD Deficiency Symptoms and Signs
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Family Health History: Genetics, DNA Testing and Your Health
WebMD explains why your doctor asks about your relatives' health conditions and how you can get the information if you don’t know.
-
Genetics: 11 Surprising Things Your Genes Say About You
Explore what role DNA plays in your health, love life, and more in this WebMD slideshow.