What should you know about mild G6PD deficiency?

G6PD helps red blood cells cope with oxidative stress. With G6PD deficiency, a trigger can cause haemolysis, meaning red blood cells break down faster than the body replaces them. Some people feel well between episodes.

Possible signs include unusual tiredness, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes, breathlessness, or dark urine. The risk depends on the trigger and the person's level of enzyme activity, so a personal medication list is useful.

Tell every doctor, dentist, and pharmacist that you have G6PD deficiency before starting a medicine. Ask specifically about new prescriptions, non-prescription products, and treatments for infection. Do not stop an essential medicine without medical advice.

Keep a written record of medicines or substances previously linked to a reaction for you. Seek advice during an infection, because illness itself can place stress on red blood cells. Family members may also benefit from discussing testing with a clinician.

Seek urgent medical assessment for dark urine, marked paleness, yellow eyes, unusual weakness, fast breathing, chest discomfort, fainting, or rapidly worsening tiredness. These changes can signal significant haemolysis or anaemia.

A clinician may examine you and arrange a Blood Test to check red blood cells and related markers. Bring the names or packaging of any recent medicines and mention a recent infection or food exposure.

Which medicines and foods should I avoid? What symptoms suggest haemolysis? Should relatives or my children have a Blood Test?