D55.9: Anaemia due to enzyme disorder, unspecified

An enzyme in your red blood cells is not working properly. This condition is congenital, which means you were born with it.

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.

In the body, certain proteins ensure that processes run better or more quickly. These proteins are also known as enzymes. Some enzymes ensure that the red blood cells are working properly and are protected from damage.

You have a disorder where one of these enzymes is not working properly. Your red blood cells can therefore be easily damaged.

If the red blood cells are damaged, the body breaks them down too early. The blood may then no longer be able to transport as much oxygen. This can make you exhausted more quickly or get breathless. In that case, you may be seriously ill. The breakdown products of red blood cells can accumulate in certain places in the body, resulting in the eyes or skin, for example, turning yellow in color.

The disorder is hereditary. Other family members can also be affected.