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Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP is a pediatrician in Castro Valley, CA specializing in general pediatrics. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP is affiliated with Sutter Health.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the tissue and airways of the lungs become extremely sensitive to certain substances. When these substances are breathed in, the lungs become inflamed. The muscles around the airways tighten and squeeze the lungs, and passages within the lungs swell and tighten. The airways themselves produce mucus, which further clogs the tightened, swollen airways. A person having an asthma attack finds it very difficult to breathe, and a severe attack can even be fatal.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but people with asthma are most often diagnosed as children. Symptoms can include wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people have mild symptoms all the time, and some people have no symptoms at all, but everyone with asthma is susceptible to occasional severe attacks or flare-ups of symptoms when they are exposed to triggers. Triggers vary widely but can include:
Treatment for most asthma patients involves three steps. Patients learn what their asthma triggers are and avoid them. They take a daily control medication, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Also, they have rescue medication with them at all times to take in case of a severe attack. These quick-acting inhaled medications relax the muscles around the airways and allow the lungs to open up for air.
There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment it should not interfere with daily life and activities.
Skin Issues
The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting and covering the more sensitive inner organs. Considering its size and that it is constantly exposed to the elements, the skin is usually relatively problem-free. However that doesn't mean that issues don't come up from time to time that might need the help of a professional. The most common skin issues that people seek medical help with are cosmetic issues, acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin growths.
Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.
Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.
Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.
Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.
Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.
Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.
Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. She completed residency at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Pediatrics - Board Certified and has a state license in California.
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine
Residency: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Pediatrics - Board Certified
Licensed In: California
Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP appears to accept the following insurance providers: TRICARE, Cigna, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross of California, MultiPlan, Medicare Advantage, United Healthcare, Alliance PPO, HealthSmart, Accepted SCAN Plans: SCAN Compass (HMO), Accepted Provider Networks of America Plans: PPO, Accepted Aetna Plans: Aetna Choice POS II: Aetna Select EPO: Aetna Select Open Access: Aetna Signature Administrators (ASA): Aetna Student Health Program: Aetna Value Network HMO (AVN): Health Fund... and Accepted Sutter Health Plan Plans: Individual and Family Plan HMO: Large and Small Group HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 35 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Serena D. Way, MD, FAAP from all over the web to help you find the right in Castro Valley, CA.
Dr. Serena Way's area of specialization is general pediatrics. Areas of expertise for Dr. Way include obesity, puberty, and immunization (preventive vaccines). She is in-network for several insurance carriers, including Anthem, Blue California, and HealthSmart. Before completing her residency at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland and a hospital affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Way attended medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. She speaks Mandarin. She is affiliated with Sutter Health.
