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BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #260

Clinical Insights on Immunodeficiency & ENT Infections

with Dr. Lauren Gunderman

At what point does a “routine” sinus or ear infection become a warning sign of immunodeficiency? In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, board-certified allergist-immunologist Dr. Basil Kahwash explores the intersection of immunodeficiency and otolaryngology with Dr. Lauren Gunderman, a pediatric immunologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Learn why ENTs should remain vigilant for underlying immune disorders, and how to manage suspected immunodeficiency.

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Clinical Insights on Immunodeficiency & ENT Infections with Dr. Lauren Gunderman on the BackTable ENT Podcast
Ep 260 Clinical Insights on Immunodeficiency & ENT Infections with Dr. Lauren Gunderman
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2026, February 10). Ep. 260 – Clinical Insights on Immunodeficiency & ENT Infections [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

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Podcast Contributors

Dr. Lauren Gunderman on the BackTable ENT Podcast

Dr. Lauren Gunderman is a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington.

Dr. Basil Kahwash on the BackTable ENT Podcast

Dr. Basil Kahwash is a board-certified allergist and immunologist from Ohio ENT and Allergy.

Synopsis

The conversation reviews common signs and symptoms of immunodeficiency, key elements of the diagnostic workup, and when ENT physicians should consider referral to immunology. Dr. Kahwash and Dr. Gunderman discuss the role of family history and genetics, as well as current management strategies, including antibiotic use, immunoglobulin replacement therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gunderman emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between otolaryngologists and immunologists to improve outcomes for patients with recurrent or severe infections.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
02:45 - Understanding Immunodeficiency in ENT
08:20 - Common Immunodeficiencies and Indicators
11:02 - Basic Immunology Refresher
22:13 - Initial Diagnostic Workup
25:05 - Challenges in Allergy and Immunology Testing
27:57 - When to Refer to an Immunologist
34:01 - Antibiotic Stewardship in Immunodeficient Patients
46:07 - Advances in Diagnosing Immunodeficiency
50:31 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Resources

The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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