Symptoms of G6PD Deficiency

Most people with G6PD deficiency have no symptoms and feel completely well. Problems appear when something triggers the breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis).

During an episode of haemolysis

Symptoms usually start within one to three days of the trigger:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark, tea-coloured or cola-coloured urine
• Pale skin
• Tiredness and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat and dizziness
• Fever, back or abdominal pain in some people

In newborns

• Jaundice in the first days of life can be more severe and last longer.
• Untreated, very high bilirubin levels can affect the brain. Newborn jaundice needs prompt medical assessment.

Chronic form

A rare type of G6PD deficiency causes ongoing mild to moderate haemolysis and anaemia even without a clear trigger.

What usually follows

In many people, the episode settles on its own within a few days to weeks once the trigger is removed, as new red cells are made.

When to get same-day care

• Dark or cola-coloured urine
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Severe weakness, breathlessness or fainting
• A newborn who looks yellow
• Symptoms after starting a new medicine

For emergencies, call 112 or 102.

Other causes

Jaundice and dark urine can also come from liver disease, malaria and other conditions. A doctor can tell them apart with blood and urine tests.

Girls and women

Female carriers are usually well, but some can have symptoms after a trigger, especially if the enzyme level is low, so the same warning signs apply.