subject: What Is G6PD? [print this page] G6PD stands for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency. G6PD is caused due to a deficiency of a chemical enzyme called G6PD found in the RBC (red blood cells). This syndrome is more common in males than females, but females can carry it sometimes. The frustrating thing about this deficiency is that it won't show any symptoms. It causes severe injury to red blood cells by breaking the RBC's down. It develops after exposure to certain medicines, foods, and other infections. Destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. It is quite severe if not treated properly, and even may result in kernicterus. This disease is curable and can be predictable, as it follows a typical pattern. It is generally treated as a public health problem. Once you get this disease, it can be a life long process, or it could be cured. At any rate, it needs proper medicine and treatment. Yet, leading a normal life is definitely possible for anybody who is facing this disease. The victim of this disease must always be informed that it is not life threatening and can be easily curable with proper medicine. Newborn babies can have this disorder, and jaundice is one of the big side effects of G6PD. The main symptom of jaundice is a yellowish color of the eyes and mucous membrane. G6PD causes jaundice by breaking down the red blood cells. With jaundice, the baby's liver can not properly filter out toxins from the child's system, which can lead to even more serious health problems. That is why it's important that the condition be treated right away. If you get G6PD as an adult, you can help yourself get better sooner by avoiding eating beans, as this food increases the breakdown of red blood cells in this condition. You should never use mothballs in your clothing or closets, as these can exacerbate the disease, as well. Finally, never try to treat yourself or hope it will get better on its own. If you have this condition, you need proper medical treatment to make sure you have no lasting negative health effects. This condition is usually easily curable, so don't take any risks with your health.
