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Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla, M.D.
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a top Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) in Detroit, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Detroit, MI, Dr. Thomas Christopher Spalla M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Thomas Spalla, M.D.
- Detroit, MI
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Spot in throat
This appears to be a lymphoid rest (i.e., a small amount of lymph tissue under the mucosa) or a small retention cyst. It appears to medial (central) to be a tonsil stone. It appears READ MORE
This appears to be a lymphoid rest (i.e., a small amount of lymph tissue under the mucosa) or a small retention cyst. It appears to medial (central) to be a tonsil stone. It appears completely inconsequential.
Vocal cord damage?
It's unlikely that the lump you feel is truly damage to the vocal folds. The lump you sense could be muscular strain on the laryngeal muscles or it could represent inflammation READ MORE
It's unlikely that the lump you feel is truly damage to the vocal folds. The lump you sense could be muscular strain on the laryngeal muscles or it could represent inflammation of the larynx from the amount of singing you've been doing or from laryngopharyngeal reflux.
See an ENT doctor for an evaluation.
In the meantime, rest your voice as much as possible. Warm up prior to singing. Stay very hydrated and avoid acid-reflux inducing foods/drinks. A quick Google search will help with that.
See an ENT doctor for an evaluation.
In the meantime, rest your voice as much as possible. Warm up prior to singing. Stay very hydrated and avoid acid-reflux inducing foods/drinks. A quick Google search will help with that.
Dry skin on ear lobe?
Since it's been present for 3 months, I'd recommend an appointment with your primary care physician. It's likely a dermatologic issue. Perhaps it's something from a product or READ MORE
Since it's been present for 3 months, I'd recommend an appointment with your primary care physician. It's likely a dermatologic issue. Perhaps it's something from a product or a contact dermatitis. It could represent eczema or a similar condition. Skin cancer is a possibility, but since you're describing it as dry skin, this is less likely in presentation.
Stuffy nose?
It's time to see an ENT doctor and try and get to the bottom of this. Nasal steroid sprays - like Flonase, Rhinocort, etc - can be helpful, but they take several weeks of daily READ MORE
It's time to see an ENT doctor and try and get to the bottom of this. Nasal steroid sprays - like Flonase, Rhinocort, etc - can be helpful, but they take several weeks of daily use to reach maximum effectiveness, a point many people don't realize.
Your obstruction could be allergic in nature. It also could be physical - e.g., internal nasal valve narrowing.
In short, there are MANY possible explanations and only through a discussion and examination with a nose expert will you find some answers.
Your obstruction could be allergic in nature. It also could be physical - e.g., internal nasal valve narrowing.
In short, there are MANY possible explanations and only through a discussion and examination with a nose expert will you find some answers.
What kind of anesthesia is used for ear tubes?
This depends. In children, they are under general anesthesia - via mask. They usually have some oral sedation ahead of time. In adults, I usually put tubes in cooperative adults READ MORE
This depends.
In children, they are under general anesthesia - via mask. They usually have some oral sedation ahead of time.
In adults, I usually put tubes in cooperative adults in the office without the use of any anesthesia - except topically on the eardrum itself.
That being said, some adults can't or won't tolerate tubes in the office and they are generally managed similarly to children with the addition of IV sedation.
If a patient is difficult to sedate or there are concerns for any airway difficulties, the patient may be placed under general anesthesia with the insertion of some form of tube in the mouth/throat to assist with ventilation and protect the airway.
In children, they are under general anesthesia - via mask. They usually have some oral sedation ahead of time.
In adults, I usually put tubes in cooperative adults in the office without the use of any anesthesia - except topically on the eardrum itself.
That being said, some adults can't or won't tolerate tubes in the office and they are generally managed similarly to children with the addition of IV sedation.
If a patient is difficult to sedate or there are concerns for any airway difficulties, the patient may be placed under general anesthesia with the insertion of some form of tube in the mouth/throat to assist with ventilation and protect the airway.
What is causing these symptoms?
That's difficult to say. Patients with "strep throat" often have a sore throat and stomach pains, but a cough is usually a negative predictive factor for strep throat. It could READ MORE
That's difficult to say. Patients with "strep throat" often have a sore throat and stomach pains, but a cough is usually a negative predictive factor for strep throat.
It could be a combination of factors and not one single thing to explain it all. If it persists, see your primary care physician.
It could be a combination of factors and not one single thing to explain it all. If it persists, see your primary care physician.
I need medical assistance?
You should get this checked out by a primary care physician. Make sure to provide a thorough past history - any current or past medical issues, prior surgeries, any medications READ MORE
You should get this checked out by a primary care physician. Make sure to provide a thorough past history - any current or past medical issues, prior surgeries, any medications or supplements, a family history (cancers, autoimmune or inflammatory disorders), potential exposures to animals and any illicit substance usage.
Getting a medical humidifier?
Having this on your face may give you some benefit. As you know, did yourself, humidity will help to improve some of the sensation that you have. Keeping your environment moist READ MORE
Having this on your face may give you some benefit. As you know, did yourself, humidity will help to improve some of the sensation that you have. Keeping your environment moist is one starting point. Drinking plenty of fluids Will help. Additionally, there are over the counter facial steamers, which you can place over your face to help inhale steam in moisture, which can help mitigate some of your symptomatology. I don’t feel that you need to live with a face tent or medical grade facemask over the area to deal with your situation.
Additionally, saline rinsing to the nose can be beneficial.
Try consulting with a sinonasal surgeon experience with dealing with this. There are occasionally surgical options which could be tried to help bulk up the inside of the nose. This may give you some additional relief as well.
Additionally, saline rinsing to the nose can be beneficial.
Try consulting with a sinonasal surgeon experience with dealing with this. There are occasionally surgical options which could be tried to help bulk up the inside of the nose. This may give you some additional relief as well.
Tinnitus treatment?
In short, yes. There are numerous treatments for tinnitus. Please see an experience ENT or audiologist who deals with this. Many of them see this condition but don't truly treat READ MORE
In short, yes.
There are numerous treatments for tinnitus.
Please see an experience ENT or audiologist who deals with this. Many of them see this condition but don't truly treat it. Call ahead or look online for tinnitus treatment centers.
A thorough work-up is warranted prior to ANY proposed treatment.
Also, do NOT waste your money on over the counter herbs/pills/supplements.
There are numerous treatments for tinnitus.
Please see an experience ENT or audiologist who deals with this. Many of them see this condition but don't truly treat it. Call ahead or look online for tinnitus treatment centers.
A thorough work-up is warranted prior to ANY proposed treatment.
Also, do NOT waste your money on over the counter herbs/pills/supplements.
What should I do?
Trouble using the restroom sounds quite concerning. Go see your primary care physician for an evaluation ASAP.
Feeling of hair in throat?
It is possible, but not likely to still be present. Foods and liquids should be able to wash a hair away. A quick ENT exam will put your mind at ease.
White lump behind tonsils?
It's a little hard for me to tell based on the picture since I can't enlarge it. It could be some reactive lymphoid tissue or it could be a solitary papilloma (similar to a wart READ MORE
It's a little hard for me to tell based on the picture since I can't enlarge it. It could be some reactive lymphoid tissue or it could be a solitary papilloma (similar to a wart you might get on your finger/toe). See an ENT and they should be able to tell you what it is.
Large knot on ear?
You appear to have a blockage or infection, or both, of your right parotid (salivary) gland. Make an appointment with your physician or ENT doctor. In the meantime, stay well-hydrated, READ MORE
You appear to have a blockage or infection, or both, of your right parotid (salivary) gland. Make an appointment with your physician or ENT doctor. In the meantime, stay well-hydrated, apply warm compresses, and try sucking on some lemon wedges/sour candy to stimulate salivary flow.
Blood in phlegm?
I wouldn't say it's "normal," but it isn't unusual to have a trace of blood in phlegm with a hard cough or throat clear. Most of the time, it comes from the nose/post nasal drip/secretions. READ MORE
I wouldn't say it's "normal," but it isn't unusual to have a trace of blood in phlegm with a hard cough or throat clear. Most of the time, it comes from the nose/post nasal drip/secretions. Other times, a small capillary in the back of the throat could break and result in this. Less commonly, with such a tiny amount, it could have originated in the lung.
Throat pain?
It appears to be an aphthous ulcer. Referred pain to the ear is very common. It's worth getting a more thorough examination in person.
Gum stuck in my throat for more than 5 months?
It would be highly unlikely that gum would be lodged in the throat that long unless you have a pathologic outpouching of the upper esophagus/hypopharynx called a diverticulum. Start READ MORE
It would be highly unlikely that gum would be lodged in the throat that long unless you have a pathologic outpouching of the upper esophagus/hypopharynx called a diverticulum.
Start by seeing an ENT doctor. A swallow study is likely warranted as well.
Start by seeing an ENT doctor. A swallow study is likely warranted as well.
Lump that swells and goes down?
This does appear to be a lymph node based on the location and picture. A lipoma (fatty tumor) is also a possibility. This could easily be excised (removed) in an ENT office under READ MORE
This does appear to be a lymph node based on the location and picture. A lipoma (fatty tumor) is also a possibility. This could easily be excised (removed) in an ENT office under local anesthesia for a thorough diagnosis and to put your mind at ease.
Should I visit the doctor?
What you are experiencing is eustachian tube dysfunction after this upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection. This can lead to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, READ MORE
What you are experiencing is eustachian tube dysfunction after this upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection. This can lead to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, and the middle ear space. See an otolaryngologist for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. This situation may justify another round of antibiotics. Sometimes oral steroids are given in this situation as well. At times mucolytics and decongestants are often tried as well as auto insufflation of the ears. In some situations, temporary ear tubes may be placed or balloon dilation of the eustachian tube could be considered.
What could my neck lump be?
This sounds like a reactive lymph node. It's likely swollen due to inflammation/infection. See your doctor for further evaluation and management.
How to treat a child's tonsil infection?
Tonsil infections can be bacterial or viral. Discuss the possible use of antibiotics with her primary care physician.
