What is causing pus in my throat and burning sensation after taking antibiotics for 2 months? - #29200

Persistent whitish or pus-like material in the throat for over 2 months, especially after multiple antibiotics without improvement, is most often not a bacterial infection anymore. The new burning sensation strongly suggests irritation or inflammation rather than active infection.

The most likely causes in your situation include Chronic tonsillitis, where debris or pus can collect in the tonsil crypts and look like a white substance, or Laryngopharyngeal reflux, which commonly causes a burning or hot sensation and persistent throat irritation without obvious findings on examination. Another important possibility after prolonged antibiotic use is Oral candidiasis, because antibiotics can disrupt normal flora and allow yeast to overgrow.

Key clues here: • No relief after several antibiotics → less likely bacterial • Burning sensation developing later → often reflux or fungal irritation • ENT exam normal → supports non-dangerous chronic causes

What to do next: You should avoid taking further antibiotics unless a clear bacterial infection is proven. Try supportive measures such as warm saltwater gargles twice daily, staying well hydrated, and avoiding very spicy, acidic, or late-night meals (to reduce reflux). If the white material can be wiped off or looks creamy, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication; if symptoms worsen after meals or when lying down, reflux treatment may be needed.

You should return to a clinician or ENT specialist if the symptoms persist beyond another 2–3 weeks, if swallowing becomes painful, if you develop fever, weight loss, neck swelling, or if the lesion/ulcer clearly enlarges. In persistent cases, simple tests like a throat swab, fungal check, or reflux trial treatment are usually the next steps.

Your symptoms of a persistent whitish, pus-like substance at the back of the throat with a burning sensation for over 2 months, despite multiple courses of antibiotics and a normal ENT examination, suggest that this may not be a typical bacterial infection. Common possibilities include chronic tonsillar debris (tonsil stones), fungal infection (oral candidiasis), or acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux), which can cause throat irritation, burning, and whitish deposits that do not respond to antibiotics. The “ulcer-like” area could also be due to chronic irritation rather than a true ulcer. Since antibiotics have not helped, further evaluation such as a throat swab, fungal assessment, or a trial of anti-reflux treatment (like dietary changes and acid-reducing medications) may be more useful. Maintaining good oral hygiene, gargling with warm salt water, and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can also help reduce symptoms. It would be best to revisit an ENT specialist or a gastroenterologist for targeted testing and treatment rather than continuing antibiotics.