Medical Conditions - G6pd Deficiency

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme responsible for the health of red blood cells. Its deficiency causes hemolysis or destruction of RBCs. It is a genetic disorder transmitted to children from parents with a defective gene on the X chromosome. Males have a high predisposition. In the absence of triggering factors, most people have no symptoms. Fava beans, pollen, and legumes can trigger and cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, fever, dark urine, dizziness, and jaundice. Avoiding the triggers itself relieves the symptoms. If G6PD deficiency progresses to hemolytic anemia, blood transfusions with oxygen therapy may be needed.