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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
- Accepting new patients
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Are nasal sprays safe for those who smoke?
First, enlist the help of your physicians for smoking cessation. Second, starting with nasal saline sprays should not increase your congestion and there's no harm in these being READ MORE
First, enlist the help of your physicians for smoking cessation. Second, starting with nasal saline sprays should not increase your congestion and there's no harm in these being used in a patient who smokes. Other sprays, such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, may be warranted, but discuss this with your doctor first.
Why does my husband have a runny nose all year long?
It's time he sees an otolaryngologist. This could be an inhalant allergy, but your mention of a nasal spray makes he concerned that he could have become addicted to over the counter READ MORE
It's time he sees an otolaryngologist. This could be an inhalant allergy, but your mention of a nasal spray makes he concerned that he could have become addicted to over the counter sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin). He may also have vasomotor rhinitis, but this is dominated by runniness more so than congestion. Other environmental factors may be at play as well.
Does aging cause inflammation in the ears?
Balance disorders do become more prevalent as we age due to a variety of factors - one being the degradation of the vestibular system (balance portion of the inner ear). However, READ MORE
Balance disorders do become more prevalent as we age due to a variety of factors - one being the degradation of the vestibular system (balance portion of the inner ear). However, to say that this is "inflammation" is not necessarily correct. Given your mother's fall, she should be evaluated by a balance specialist - often an audiologist with a particular interest in this - as a start. Her care may also involve many other specialists as fall prevention is of the utmost importance.
What causes me to sneeze so early in the morning?
It would be worthwhile to have an evaluation by an otolaryngologist or allergist. This sounds like you're being triggered by something in your environment and since you mentioned READ MORE
It would be worthwhile to have an evaluation by an otolaryngologist or allergist. This sounds like you're being triggered by something in your environment and since you mentioned this upon awakening (ie, early in the morning), this makes me suspicious that you may have a dustmite allergy.
There is a weird sound coming from my son’s throat. What could this be?
Without hearing and examining him, this is a very difficult topic on which to speculate. Record this and bring this to a pediatric otolaryngologist for their expertise.
Does vertigo come with any symptoms or can I have a vertigo attack anytime?
Keep in mind that vertigo is a symptom. What I mean is that there is an underlying cause. That cause should be sought as treatment should be directed to the cause not the symptom. READ MORE
Keep in mind that vertigo is a symptom. What I mean is that there is an underlying cause. That cause should be sought as treatment should be directed to the cause not the symptom.
Can salt water gargling help treat my sore throat?
Salt water won't cure you, but gargling with it can certainly help to alleviate some discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid dehydrating agents (alcohol, caffeine), get plenty READ MORE
Salt water won't cure you, but gargling with it can certainly help to alleviate some discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid dehydrating agents (alcohol, caffeine), get plenty of rest, wash your hands, and avoid spread to others as this may be contagious.
I feel like something is stuck in my throat. What should I do?
Yes, it's time to see an otolaryngologist. This may represent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux, silent reflux, extra-esophageal reflux). I have also seen patients experience this READ MORE
Yes, it's time to see an otolaryngologist. This may represent reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux, silent reflux, extra-esophageal reflux). I have also seen patients experience this with increasing stress and muscle tension (of the upper esophageal sphincter or laryngeal muscles). Rarely does this represent something more sinister.
I used a neti pot with hot water. Will this cause a reaction in my nose?
Use distilled water at a comfortable room temperature. Clean your Neti pot regularly to avoid introducing bacteria into your nose/sinuses.
A ball hit my ear, hard. Should I get this checked out
Yes, you should definitely get this checked out. It could be a temporary threshold shift which you are experiencing, but it could represent something more serious such as trauma READ MORE
Yes, you should definitely get this checked out. It could be a temporary threshold shift which you are experiencing, but it could represent something more serious such as trauma to your eardrum or cochlea (organ of hearing).
I have severe itching inside my nose. Could it be an allergic reaction?
It could be an allergic reaction - such as an inhalant allergy, but given its persistence, I'm more inclined to think that it could be a contact allergy (make-up, lotions, etc), READ MORE
It could be an allergic reaction - such as an inhalant allergy, but given its persistence, I'm more inclined to think that it could be a contact allergy (make-up, lotions, etc), a bacterial inflammation of the hair follicles (nasal vestibulitis), a dermatologic condition, or even atrophic rhinitis.
Have an otolaryngologist take a look.
Have an otolaryngologist take a look.
There is a white coating on my tongue and upper mouth. Could this be an infection?
There is a possibility this represents an infection - such as thrush (aka candidiasis). The coating could also be related to your diet and the oral care products which you are READ MORE
There is a possibility this represents an infection - such as thrush (aka candidiasis). The coating could also be related to your diet and the oral care products which you are using. Discuss this with your doctors/dentist.
What is the best treatment for snoring?
Snoring treatment should be tailored towards the individual and may be multi-factorial in origin. Elimination of snoring is often not accomplished with a single method. Some methods READ MORE
Snoring treatment should be tailored towards the individual and may be multi-factorial in origin. Elimination of snoring is often not accomplished with a single method. Some methods include:
nasal treatments: sprays, nasal strips/cones, allergy management, surgery
dental appliances
palate procedures/surgery
tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
tongue base suspension/reduction
mandibular advancement
weight loss
nasal treatments: sprays, nasal strips/cones, allergy management, surgery
dental appliances
palate procedures/surgery
tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
tongue base suspension/reduction
mandibular advancement
weight loss
Sinuses?
This very well could be allergic rhinitis (allergies).




Blocked nose?
It would be time to see an otolaryngologist to try and secure a more definitive diagnosis. Depending on what is found, a more tailored solution could be proposed.
Post-nasal drip for 2 years?
I have often found that patients who constantly feel mucus in their throat but have failed nasal-related medications (allergy meds, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, etc) may READ MORE
I have often found that patients who constantly feel mucus in their throat but have failed nasal-related medications (allergy meds, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, etc) may be suffering from laryngopharyngeal reflux (aka, silent reflux). Perhaps this is what is troubling you. You may also benefit from an allergy work-up including foods. In the meantime, try eliminating dairy, caffeine, spicy foods, and wheat from your diet while you get an appointment with an otolaryngologist.
My dad has been diagnosed with nasal polyps. Could it be serious?
Nasal polyps are generally not a "serious" condition per se. First, an exploration to try and determine the underlying etiology is necessary. This may help to tailor treatment READ MORE
Nasal polyps are generally not a "serious" condition per se. First, an exploration to try and determine the underlying etiology is necessary. This may help to tailor treatment for your father. Treatment is typically long-term medical management which usually involves the use of a nasal steroid preparation for maintenance. Surgery often plays a role as well but isn't curative as the underlying issue is an over aggressive inflammatory response.
A ball hit my ear, hard. Can this make me deaf?
You should definitely seen an otolaryngologist for an examination followed by an audiologist for formal hearing testing. It is unlikely that this sort of injury would truly make READ MORE
You should definitely seen an otolaryngologist for an examination followed by an audiologist for formal hearing testing. It is unlikely that this sort of injury would truly make you deaf (i.e., lose all possible hearing), but it could result in a hearing loss (typically what we would refer to as conductive) which may be temporary or require intervention.
What is the treatment for swimmer's ears?
Swimmer's ear - aka otitis externa - is usually easily treated with a prescription antibiotic drop (often fluoroquinolone-based) by your physician. Acidifying drops may also be READ MORE
Swimmer's ear - aka otitis externa - is usually easily treated with a prescription antibiotic drop (often fluoroquinolone-based) by your physician. Acidifying drops may also be helpful.
Are saline drops safe for babies?
Saline drops are very safe. Of course, make sure that the bottle is not expired. Over-the-counter saline drops typically have a preservative in the solution. Also, I would recommend READ MORE
Saline drops are very safe. Of course, make sure that the bottle is not expired. Over-the-counter saline drops typically have a preservative in the solution. Also, I would recommend sanitize in the tip of the bottle prior to and after using the drops in the child's nose so as not to contaminate the bottle or anyone else who may come in contact with this.