1. A hereditary metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, characterized by hemolytic anemia triggered by exposure to fava beans or certain drugs.
Usage: medical term; also called G6PD deficiency

Examples

• Favism is an inherited condition that affects the red blood cells.
• People with favism must avoid eating fava beans to prevent a hemolytic crisis.
• The doctor diagnosed the patient with favism after a severe reaction to certain medications.
• Favism is more common in people of Mediterranean and African descent.
• Patients with favism need to be aware of foods and drugs that can trigger symptoms.