![Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD, Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)](/doctor_images/0/0b/2944176.jpg)
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
![](/doctor_images/0/0b/2944176.jpg)
Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD's Expert Contributions
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 this upon awakening (ie, early in the morning), this makes me suspicious that you may have a dustmite allergy. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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
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 of rest, wash your hands, and avoid spread to others as this may be contagious. READ MORE
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 with increasing stress and muscle tension (of the upper esophageal sphincter or laryngeal muscles). Rarely does this represent something more sinister. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 to your eardrum or cochlea (organ of hearing). READ MORE
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), a bacterial inflammation of the hair follicles (nasal vestibulitis), a dermatologic condition, or even atrophic rhinitis. Have an otolaryngologist take a look. READ MORE
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 using. Discuss this with your doctors/dentist. READ MORE
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 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 READ MORE
Sinuses?
This very well could be allergic rhinitis (allergies). READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 helpful. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 the world is still or the world moving around you while you are still. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineDr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD's Practice location
Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Spalla
- a.
He is just wonderful!.
Recommended Articles
- The Diagnosis and Treatment of Strep Throat
Treatments for Strep Throat Strep throat is a bacterial disease that affects the tonsils and the throat. It is an infection characterized by inflammation of the throat that leads to a sudden and severe sore throat, and is mainly caused by a bacterium known as streptococcus, hence its name, strep...
- Home Remedies for Swollen Tonsils
Why are my tonsils swollen?The human body is a marvelous creation--a true work of art. It has the infrastructure to keep itself safe from harmful bacteria and viruses, and it has the ability to heal itself. One of these infrastructures is the tonsils. These are lymph nodes located at the back of the...
- Treatments for Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a common infection, although most people who suffer from the condition use ineffective treatments. Before going to the pharmacy, you should first learn about the appropriate treatment for your condition.Sinuses are tiny openings found in the skull and are usually filled with air. They...
- What Is a Thyroid Biopsy?
In a thyroid biopsy, a small tissue sample of your thyroid gland is removed and then examined under a microscope to test for an infection, cancer cells, and other thyroid disorders. The thyroid is a small gland located in lower part of the neck, just below the larynx. The gland's main function is...
- Ear Infections and Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes behind the ears, in the neck and under the arms are some of the most notable lymph glands in the body. These glands store fluids and nutrients and help in filtering waste material out of the bloodstream as well as out from the body tissue. They also produce antibodies that help...
- Holistic Treatments for Sinusitis
A sinus infection can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi. Some of the symptoms of a sinus infection are congestion in the nasal passages, headaches, fever, and cough. It is always advisable to consult a physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. However, there are some natural...
Nearby Providers
- Dr. Michael Seidman M.D.Henry Ford Health System West Bloomfield MI 48323
- Dr. Daniel Rontal MD30701 WOODWARD AVE STE 200 ROYAL OAK MI 48073
- Dr. Jeffrey S. Weingarten MD.22250 Providence Dr Southfield MI 48075
- Dr. Vasudev R Garlapaty MD14500 NORTHLINE RD SOUTHGATE MI 48195
- Dr. James Aronovitz DO27301 Schoenherr Rd Warren MI 48088
- Dr. Eric W Sargent MD30055 Northwestern Hwy Farmington MI 48334
Nearest Hospitals
HARPER UNIVERSITY HOSPITALl
3990 JOHN R STREET DETROIT MI 48201DETROIT RECEIVING HOSPITAL & UNIV HEALTH CENTERl
4201 ST ANTOINE ST - 3M DETROIT MI 48201OUR LADY OF LOURDES MEDICAL CENTERl
1600 HADDON AVENUE CAMDEN NJ 8103PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITALl
800 SPRUCE STREET PHILADELPHIA PA 19107VIRTUA WEST JERSEY HOSPITALS BERLINl
WHITEHORSE PIKE AND TOWNSEND AVENUE BERLIN NJ 8009WEISMAN CHILDRENS REHABILITATION HOSPITALl
92 BRICK ROAD, 3RD FLOOR MARLTON NJ 8053