What does jaundice feel like with G6PD deficiency?

G6PD deficiency can make red blood cells more vulnerable to oxidative stress. After a trigger such as an infection, a specific medicine, or certain foods, red cells may break down faster than the body replaces them. Bilirubin released during this process can turn the whites of the eyes or skin yellow. Urine may become tea-coloured, and you may feel weak, dizzy, breathless, or have a fast heartbeat.

The timing of symptoms matters. Tell a clinician about recent illness, new medicines, traditional remedies, or food exposures. Jaundice also has other causes, so testing is needed to confirm whether red-cell breakdown is occurring.

Seek medical advice promptly for new yellowing or dark urine if you have G6PD deficiency. Take your diagnosis or medication list with you and name any recent trigger. Do not take a new medicine or supplement until a clinician or pharmacist has checked that it is appropriate for you. Continue prescribed medicines unless a professional tells you otherwise.

A clinician may check blood counts, bilirubin, kidney function, and urine, depending on your symptoms. Rest and drink fluids if you can do so safely, but do not rely on home care when weakness or breathlessness is increasing.

Go to urgent care for severe weakness, breathlessness at rest, fainting, confusion, chest discomfort, a racing heartbeat, very dark urine, or rapidly worsening yellowing. A rapid drop in red blood cells can require immediate treatment and monitoring.

Could this be red-cell breakdown? Which medicines and foods should I avoid? What tests will show whether my blood count is falling? What should I do during an infection? Which symptoms require emergency help?