East Hillsborough News

Katherine Scherer, a physician assistant at Tampa Bay Breathe Free, explained that sinusitis is diagnosed using a CT scan and nasal endoscopy to visualize the sinuses beyond a physical exam and show patients their condition. This statement was made on Instagram on January 22.

"So one of the things we do is a CT scan of the sinuses," said Katie Scherer, according to Instagram. "You're able to kind of see things that you're not able to see on physical exam and so you can kind of take a better look inside of the sinuses. And then we also use a camera, it's called a nasal endoscopy, and so we're able to look in there. And kind of show the patient what's going on inside of the sinuses."

According to the Radiological Society of North America, CT scans of the sinuses provide detailed images of sinus cavities, revealing inflammation, fluid buildup, or structural issues like polyps in over 90% of symptomatic cases. These scans are often completed in minutes and outperform X-rays by showing bone and soft tissue details, making them a standard tool for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists diagnosing chronic or complex sinusitis.

A 2002 study in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery reported that nasal endoscopy detected abnormal sinus findings such as pus or swelling in a majority of 200 patients with suspected chronic sinusitis. This direct visualization, missed by physical exams alone, complements CT scans by confirming active inflammation. The research by Levine et al. underscores endoscopy’s role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for tailored ENT care.

Scherer is a Tampa Bay native and certified physician assistant at Tampa Bay Breathe Free, specializing in ENT care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology from the University of Florida and her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Tampa in March 2020. Following residency training in otolaryngology at Tampa General Hospital, she joined the practice after working in surgical subspecialties. She collaborates with Dr. Pate to deliver advanced diagnostics and patient-focused care for sinus conditions.

Tampa Bay Breathe Free is an ENT practice dedicated to sinus and allergy care based at 3638 Madaca Lane in Tampa, Florida. Founded by Dr. Randall C. Pate II, the clinic employs advanced technologies like in-office CT scans and nasal endoscopy—highlighted by Scherer—to diagnose and treat sinusitis effectively. Serving the Tampa Bay community, it offers solutions like balloon sinuplasty in a spa-like environment to address chronic sinus issues common in the region’s climate.