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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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My ears feel blocked from a cold that I recently had. What should I do?
What you are experiencing is known as eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube is the tube to that connects the ear to the back of the nose and equilibrates the pressure READ MORE
What you are experiencing is known as eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube is the tube to that connects the ear to the back of the nose and equilibrates the pressure in the middle ear space (the space behind the eardrum where the ossicles. or bones of hearing, are located). If this persists, this can lead to a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum which will cause a significant loss in hearing and can be quite uncomfortable to many patients.
I recommend that you see a local otolaryngologist for an assessment of this process. However, the process is generally self-limiting.
I recommend that you see a local otolaryngologist for an assessment of this process. However, the process is generally self-limiting.
My son is feeling dizzy and the doctor says its vertigo. Is it possible for a 7 year old to have vertigo?
It is possible for your child to have vertigo. Vertigo is the sensation of motion when there is none physically present. It can often be perceived as your body in motion when READ MORE
It is possible for your child to have vertigo. Vertigo is the sensation of motion when there is none physically present. It can often be perceived as your body in motion when the world is still or the world moving around you while you are still.
I have a pus boil in my ears. Can it become serious?
This is likely a small skin abscess similar to a pimple. I would recommend warm compresses to the region. An antibiotic ointment over the area can also be beneficial. If you READ MORE
This is likely a small skin abscess similar to a pimple. I would recommend warm compresses to the region. An antibiotic ointment over the area can also be beneficial. If you have underlying health issues, seek the evaluation of a physician immediately. If the situation worsens with increasing tenderness, redness, or any drainage from the region, seek the care of physician. The infection sometimes requires antibiotics. Additionally, in situation where progresses, an incision and drainage may be necessary by a qualified physician.
Does a sinus infection make you tired?
During an infection, it is not uncommon to have fatigue.
How do you unclog swimmer's ear?
Swimmers ear is a bacterial infection of the external auditory canal. If the canal is completely swollen shut from the infection, a physician may place a wick (compressed cotton) READ MORE
Swimmers ear is a bacterial infection of the external auditory canal. If the canal is completely swollen shut from the infection, a physician may place a wick (compressed cotton) in the ear to help allow for topical antibiotic drops to penetrate deep in the canal and treat the infection.
How do you get rid of tonsil stones permanently?
Tonsil stones are often a marker for a chronic bacterial infection of the tonsils caused by bacteria known as Actinomyces. If you're looking for a permanent solution to prevent READ MORE
Tonsil stones are often a marker for a chronic bacterial infection of the tonsils caused by bacteria known as Actinomyces. If you're looking for a permanent solution to prevent ever having tonsil stones, tonsillectomy, complete removal of the tonsils, is recommended.
Why am I suddenly getting tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones, or often a marker for chronic bacterial infection of the tonsils by bacteria known as Actinomyces.
Is it dangerous to have tonsils removed?
Undergoing any surgical procedure can be dangerous. The risks and benefits of the procedure need to be weighed carefully. When it comes to tonsillectomy, I always encourage my READ MORE
Undergoing any surgical procedure can be dangerous. The risks and benefits of the procedure need to be weighed carefully. When it comes to tonsillectomy, I always encourage my patients to think carefully about this and I make sure that there are strong indications that the benefits of having a tonsillectomy our worth the potential risks of the surgery. There are many risks associated with having her tonsils removed. One of the things that we as surgeons consider as the biggest risk with regards to tonsillectomy is postoperative hemorrhage. This can occur days after the surgery and can be severe enough to require the patient to go back under anesthesia to stop the bleeding. Additional risks of having her tonsils removed include: Taste disturbance, numbness of a portion of the tongue, reflux of food or liquid up the back of the nose, vocal resonance changes, and potential pulmonary complications especially if the patient has a known history of obstructive sleep apnea.
What is the treatment for a staph infection?
The treatment for a staph infection is typically a course of oral antibiotics. Sometimes, depending on the location, a topical antibiotic ointment may also be applied. In situations READ MORE
The treatment for a staph infection is typically a course of oral antibiotics. Sometimes, depending on the location, a topical antibiotic ointment may also be applied. In situations of severe staph infections or infections that are resistant to oral antibiotics, intravenous therapy may be necessary.
Is a saline nasal spray safe for kids?
Saline sprays are very safe for children as well as adults. I recommended them frequently in my practice. I do recommend sensitizing the tip of the bottle before and after usage READ MORE
Saline sprays are very safe for children as well as adults. I recommended them frequently in my practice. I do recommend sensitizing the tip of the bottle before and after usage to help prevent contamination of its contents as well as any cross-contamination if other people are using the solution.
Can tonsillitis cause bad breath?
Yes, both acute infections of the tonsils as well as chronic infections of the tonsils can cause bad breath known medically as halitosis.
How is a sinus infection diagnosed?
A sinus infection is typically diagnosed based on history and physical exam findings. If the history and physical exam findings are not classic for a sinus infection or another READ MORE
A sinus infection is typically diagnosed based on history and physical exam findings. If the history and physical exam findings are not classic for a sinus infection or another diagnosis is being considered, a CT scan of the sinuses may be considered. Often times a trial of antibiotics we'll first be performed to see if this resolves the situation. However, this depends on a detailed history and physical examination to see if this is warranted.
I applied hot oil on my hair and a little went into my ears. Will it cause any problems?
It is unlikely to be cause any problems as it likely was just exposed to the external auditory canal. Assuming you have an intact tympanic membrane, there should not be any further READ MORE
It is unlikely to be cause any problems as it likely was just exposed to the external auditory canal. Assuming you have an intact tympanic membrane, there should not be any further difficulties. If you do have any symptoms such as pain, decreased hearing, or abnormal drainage from the ear, it would be wise to see an otolaryngologist.
I have a pus boil inside my nose. What can I apply to ease the pain?
Most of the time, this is an inflammation at the base of the hair follicle inside the nose, a condition called folliculitis. This is often a bacterial process. Warm compresses READ MORE
Most of the time, this is an inflammation at the base of the hair follicle inside the nose, a condition called folliculitis. This is often a bacterial process. Warm compresses to the area and application of antibiotic ointment is typically sufficient. However, if the infection worsens or if there is significant discomfort and local measures are insufficient, and oral antibiotic is sometimes necessary. Do not attempt to squeeze or pop the area. Given the drainage pathway of this aspect of the face, these infections are not to be taken lightly, and I recommend you see a physician for evaluation.
My husband is unable to hear properly. Could it be due to wax accumulation?
It is possible that a wax impaction could cause the symptomatology that you are describing. However, it definitely warrants an examination by somebody familiar with looking into READ MORE
It is possible that a wax impaction could cause the symptomatology that you are describing. However, it definitely warrants an examination by somebody familiar with looking into patient's ears. Additionally, it is likely warranted to have a hearing test known as an audiogram performed at that visit as well after ruling out other pathologies.
Can using ear cleansing liquids cause hearing loss?
It is unlikely to be the source of her hearing loss. However, liquid should not be placed into the ear if there is active infection in or around the ear, or in situations where READ MORE
It is unlikely to be the source of her hearing loss. However, liquid should not be placed into the ear if there is active infection in or around the ear, or in situations where the tympanic membrane (eardrum) may have a perforation in it or is not otherwise intact.
I recommend that your mother see an ear nose and throat physician for an examination and have a hearing test done at the same time with an audiologist.
I recommend that your mother see an ear nose and throat physician for an examination and have a hearing test done at the same time with an audiologist.
I have a sore inside my nose. How can this be treated?
The most common reason that he may be experiencing something like this is inflammation of the hair follicles inside the nose, a condition known as nasal vestibulitis. If this READ MORE
The most common reason that he may be experiencing something like this is inflammation of the hair follicles inside the nose, a condition known as nasal vestibulitis.
If this is the situation, this often is treated with antibiotic ointment and sometimes even an oral course of antibiotics if the situation does not resolve.
However, it is definitely worth having an otolaryngologist look at the area to rule out other possibilities such as a growth, benign or even malignant. Outside of nasal vestibulitis, the most common thing that I had seen in this region are verrucae, warts.
If this is the situation, this often is treated with antibiotic ointment and sometimes even an oral course of antibiotics if the situation does not resolve.
However, it is definitely worth having an otolaryngologist look at the area to rule out other possibilities such as a growth, benign or even malignant. Outside of nasal vestibulitis, the most common thing that I had seen in this region are verrucae, warts.
I keep getting boils in my nose. What can I do to treat this?
What you could be experiencing is nasal vestibulitis. This is inflammation of the lining inside the nasal cavity where the hairs are present. This is often due to a bacterial infection. READ MORE
What you could be experiencing is nasal vestibulitis. This is inflammation of the lining inside the nasal cavity where the hairs are present. This is often due to a bacterial infection. I would recommend that you consult with an ear, nose, and throat physician for evaluation and management which sometimes includes application of a topical antibiotic to the region and, in some situations, an oral antibiotic. Sometimes, swabs are taken in cases that do not respond to therapy to rule out more pathogenic bacteria.
tooth abscess
If the abscess truly started from a dental related origin, it may be best to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon given his or her expertise with dentistry as the initial READ MORE
If the abscess truly started from a dental related origin, it may be best to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon given his or her expertise with dentistry as the initial part of the training. Additionally, treating an abscess secondary to an oral cause is part of their training and something they could easily manage.
Non-necrotic lymph nodes in aixilary
If I'm reading your question correctly, I believe you mean the right axilla. There are numerous reasons which can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Given that your problem seems to READ MORE
If I'm reading your question correctly, I believe you mean the right axilla. There are numerous reasons which can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Given that your problem seems to be located axilla, also known as the armpit, I would recommend evaluation and consultation by a general surgeon or a breast surgeon.
