Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
2799 W Grand Blvd 8th Floor - Otolaryn Detroit MI, 48202About
Dr. Thomas Spalla is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Detroit, MI. Dr. Spalla specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
Board Certification
OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of OtolaryngologyABOto
Provider Details
Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD's Expert Contributions
How is pediatric sinusitis treated?
Pediatric sinusitis is typically treated with a combination of nasal saline and antibiotics. Sometimes a nasal steroid spray is also used. READ MORE
How should I sleep after sinus surgery?
Sleeping with your head elevated (> 30 degrees) can help with nasal/sinus congestion - especially after surgery. Follow your surgeon's instruction regarding nasal care carefully as the aftercare is so important with regards to sinus surgery. READ MORE
Should I go to an after hours clinic?
If you truly feel sick, are running a fever, and feel like you are worsening, seek medical attention. The white spots do not concern me. They appear to be lymphoid tissues on the posterior oropharynx, nothing more. READ MORE
Canker sores or oral cancer?
These look like aphthous ulcers. If they are, they typically are VERY painful and last up to 7-10 days. Oral cancer is "typically" painless, although there are exceptions. Gargle with warm salt water. Consider a topical anesthetic spray. Avoid hot/spicy foods and liquids. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and please stop vaping. Vaping may worsen this situation and is definitively detrimental to your health. READ MORE
Is a dorsal hump considered a defect?
No, a dorsal hump would not be considered a "defect." A dorsal hump is typically an inherited nasal feature. In some situations, I've seen a dorsal hump become acquired after nasal trauma. If this is your unique situation, I would recommend that you demonstrate this as such with pre-injury photos illustrating that the dorsal hump is a new traumatic deformity. READ MORE
My ear is leaking blood badly?
You definitely need to see an ENT physician. A thorough history and examination is warranted. If the situation permits, a hearing test should be done as well at that visit. Further prognostication is difficult without this information. READ MORE
Can I catch the flu again after JUST having it?
As we are seeing with COVID, there are variants of the flu virus. So, you should avoid anyone else to avoid co-infecting yourself or the other person. READ MORE
What type of anesthesia is used for tonsils surgery?
Patients undergoing tonsillectomy, at least in the USA, are put under general anesthesia. This means putting a breathing (endotracheal) tube through the mouth and into the windpipe (trachea) to allow for mechanical ventilation. READ MORE
Is seasonal allergies a lifelong problem?
It certainly can be for some individuals. However, I have seen my patients' allergy profiles/sensitivities change of the years. I'd recommend that you get formal intradermal allergy testing to start. Then, discuss with that physician (allergist/ENT) if desensitization is right for you. READ MORE
Nose injury?
Since it has only been 1 day, as you noted, this may very well pass. If it persists for several more days, make an appointment with an ENT or facial plastic surgeon for an evaluation. There could have been a hairline fracture (may not be able to be definitively determined). It's likely that no intervention is required if there is not a change in appearance, but the doctor will rule out any internal injuries. READ MORE
Cough medicine?
Promethazine is not a narcotic. However, it can cause sedation, so never mix with other sedating medications or alcohol, so do not drive/operate machinery while taking this medication. READ MORE
Can hydrocephalus cause hearing loss?
Hearing loss in hydrocephalus: a review, with focus on mechanisms David Satzer 1 , Daniel J Guillaume 2 Affiliations PMID: 26280639 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-015-0650-2 Abstract While neither hydrocephalus nor cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement is traditionally considered in the differential diagnosis of hearing loss, there is substantial evidence that CSF circulation and pressure abnormalities can produce auditory dysfunction. Several indirect mechanisms may explain association between hydrocephalus and hearing loss, including mass effect, compromise of the auditory pathway, complications of prematurity, and genetically mediated hydrocephalus and hearing loss. Nevertheless, researchers have proposed a direct mechanism, which we term the hydrodynamic theory. In this hypothesis, the intimate relationship between CSF and inner ear fluids permits relative endolymphatic or perilymphatic hydrops in the setting of CSF pressure disturbances. CSF is continuous with perilymph, and CSF pressure changes are known to produce parallel perilymphatic pressure changes. In support of the hydrodynamic theory, some studies have found an independent association between hydrocephalus and hearing loss. Moreover, surgical shunting of CSF has been linked to both resolution and development of auditory dysfunction. The disease burden of hydrocephalus-associated hearing loss may be large, and because hydrocephalus and over-shunting are reversible, this relationship merits broader recognition. Hydrocephalic patients should be monitored for hearing loss, and hearing loss in a patient with shunted hydrocephalus should prompt further evaluation and possibly adjustment of shunt settings. READ MORE
I have behind nostril pain?
There are a lot of possibilities here: -bacterial infection, which could have started at the hair follicles inside the nose -soft tissue cyst -dental root disease/hairline crack/periapical abscess/cyst Consider having dental X-rays or a cone beam CT of the area at an oral surgery office. People to consider seeing: oral surgery, ENT, another dentist. READ MORE
Ear wax impacted?
It is HIGHLY improbable that any permanent hearing loss resulted from what you described. A scratch to the ear canal, as you noted, would not result in any hearing loss itself. If blood pooled and hardened along the eardrum, this could result in some hearing loss and fullness in the affected ear. Prescribing you antibiotic drops was appropriate given the situation. After the prescribed time period for the drops, simply return for a repeat examination. The remainder of the wax (and possibly, blood) should be easier to remove as it should be softened by the drops. At that point, an audiogram and tympanometry should be performed. READ MORE
What could be the reason behind my severe throat irritation?
Some possibilities include: -infection - bacterial, viral -trapped debris around the tonsil = "tonsil stones" -trauma = you'd probably remember this though -neoplasm = tumor/growth, less likely given what you've described READ MORE
I have ringing in my ear?
This sounds most like eustachian tube dysfunction. Since it has persisted for 2 weeks at this point, I recommend you see an ENT doctor for an examination - ear/nose/throat which may include a scope placed through the nose to examine the eustachian tube orifice as well as audiometric (hearing) testing. READ MORE
I have been sneezing a lot today when I woke up, what do I do?
You may have been exposed to something irritating your nose such as an allergen. Occasionally, nasal irritation can lead to sneezing as well. If you start to feel sick or develop other symptoms, or if this persists, seek medical attention. READ MORE
Why do I have a loss of taste my mouth?
This definitely warrants seeing a physician. Patients can have a loss of sense of taste from inflammation or infections of the tongue, post-viral loss (e.g., COVID-19) or due to sinonasal infections/blockage/tumors (rare). See an otolaryngologist for a work-up. READ MORE
There is a strange smell from my phelgm everytime I spit it out. Could there be a problem?
This could represent an infection. It's worth seeing your doctor. Phlegm could also smell off if there is acid reflux as well. Post nasal drip could also result in an abnormal smell, particularly if there is an associated infection of the sinonasal cavity. READ MORE
My nose is runny and I snore. What can I do?
The runny nose and snore may be related, but it's possible that different approaches to address your situation may be necessary. See and ENT doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This may require an allergy work-up and medication trials (pills and/or sprays) for your runny nose. Snoring is multi-factorial and is a combination of nasal obstruction issues, palatal fluttering and redundant tissues in the upper throat. Alcohol consumption worsening snoring. Snoring is typically worse when you are flat on your back, and being overweight plays a role as well. READ MORE
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