Effects of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

G6PD helps red blood cells handle chemical stress. When its activity is low, an infection or a trigger can damage the cells faster than the body replaces them. This breakdown is called haemolysis. Effects may include tiredness, breathlessness, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, pale skin or dark urine. Some people have no symptoms between episodes. The trigger list is personal, so do not assume that every medicine or food is unsafe; a pharmacist or clinician can check a specific product before you use it.

Tell every clinician and pharmacist that you have, or may have, G6PD deficiency before starting treatment. Keep a current list of medicines and supplements, and ask about unfamiliar products rather than stopping essential treatment on your own. During an illness, drink fluids if you can and monitor for new weakness, pale skin or dark urine. A Blood Test can help assess anaemia and support diagnosis, while your clinician may review possible triggers and family history.

Seek urgent care if dark urine, marked paleness, severe weakness, breathlessness, chest discomfort, fainting or a racing heartbeat develops, particularly after an infection or new medicine. Rapid red-cell breakdown can reduce oxygen delivery and may worsen quickly. New symptoms in a baby or child also deserve prompt assessment, especially with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or yellowing of the skin.

Ask which triggers apply to you, whether relatives should be tested, what symptoms mean you need same-day care, and how your blood results will be followed after an episode.