Treatment of G6PD Deficiency
If G6PD deficiency runs in your family, you can determine whether or not you carry the gene by having a blood test done. In order to determine the specific variant of the gene mutation that you have, you can visit a specialized genetic lab. People of African or Mediterranean heritage are most likely to be carriers or to have the mutation, including those of Italian, Greek, Arabic, and Sephardic Jewish backgrounds. Once the deficiency is confirmed, it’s important to avoid consumption of foods or drugs that can cause a serious reaction, called a hemolytic crisis.

For most people who do not have a severe case of G6PD deficiency, simply avoiding problematic drugs, ingredients and foods will be enough to prevent any serious symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the symptoms will usually disappear within several weeks once the trigger is removed. As the body naturally makes new red blood cells and recovers, the anemia symptoms will improve and no further treatment should be needed.

Hemolytic crisis is an emergency situation and needs to be treated right away. When an emergency hemolytic crisis does occur, the patient likely will need to be treated at the hospital, sometimes via blood transfusion.  This helps to slow down the rate at which red blood cells are destroyed (hemolysis).