Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic (inherited) condition that affects the red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all the other parts of your body. Without enough G6PD, the red blood cells break down more easily.

Certain foods, medicines, chemicals, and infections can trigger this breakdown of the red blood cells. This is called hemolysis (hih-MOL-ih-sis). Hemolysis can lead to anemia (not enough red blood cells in the body) and other health problems.

Treatment for G6PD deficiency includes avoiding the triggers for hemolysis. For mild anemia, treatment isn't usually needed. If the anemia is severe, more treatment is needed.

Follow your health care provider's recommendations on what your child should avoid, such as:

• Fava beans (also called broad beans), sometimes found in falafel, stews, gluten-free baked goods, or other foods
• Mint and menthol, found in gum, mints, and certain foods
• Bitter melon (also called bitter gourd), which may be included in some African and Asian recipes
• Touching or breathing in:
  • Henna products. Henna is in henna "tattoos" and some natural hair dyes.
  • Naphthalene, a chemical found in mothballs, moth crystals, and some toilet fresheners. Do not use naphthalene products in your home.
  • Wood finishing products that contain aniline dyes.
• Medicines such as certain antibiotics, aspirin, naproxen (brand names include Aleve® and Naprosyn®), and antimalaria medicines

To help prevent infections:

• Teach your child to wash their hands well and often with soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, they can use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Keep your child away from people who are sick.
• Make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations (shots).

Other important reminders:

Be sure your child's school, coaches, and other adults who take care of them know what foods they should avoid and medicines they shouldn't take, and what symptoms to watch out for.

• Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist before giving your child any new medicine, herb, or supplement. Ask if the medicine or supplement is safe for your child.
• Check the ingredients in prepared foods and ask about ingredients when dining out.
• Be sure to tell your child's other health care providers about their G6PD deficiency.

Your child has signs of hemolysis or anemia, such as:

• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Pale skin, lips, or tongue
• Yellow skin or whites of the eyes
• Dark urine (pee)
• Back or belly pain

Your child:

• Has trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly
• Faints
• Is extremely sleepy

These can be signs of severe hemolysis and anemia.

What causes G6PD deficiency? G6PD deficiency is inherited. Children who have it are born with it because it was passed down from one or both of their parents' genes.

What problems does G6PD cause? Some people with the condition have mild symptoms, while others can get severe hemolysis. Hemolysis can cause:

• Anemia (too few red blood cells). A child with anemia may be pale, feel weak and tired, have headaches, or have pain in the belly and back.
• Jaundice. This happens when a person's skin or white areas in their eyes turn yellow from a buildup of substances that are released when red blood cells break down.
• Dark urine (pee). This is from the buildup of substances that are released when red blood cells break down.

What treatment is needed for severe anemia? For more severe anemia, kids may need to stay in the hospital for a blood transfusion, oxygen through a mask, and fluids given IV (intravenously or into a vein).