Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your concern . There can be many reason for stinging sensation in taste buds . This usually happen when taste buds get swollen due to various reasons . In your case it seems to me that the hot ,spicy and acidic food creating problem . It is accompanied by deficiency of vitamin B and C . I would suggest you to :- - Avoid hot spicy and cidic food for some days ,at least for a week . - Take probiotic food like yogurt . - Do warm saline rinses twice a day . - Start vitamin B and C supplement. - Take ibuprofen (if not allergic ) or acetaminophen for pain and swelling. If condition persist for week then consult oral pathologist for proper diagnosis . Doctor will examine it physically and order few test to rule out condition like tongue infection , oral thrush or canker sore . He/she may prescribe antibiotics , corticosteroids or amphotericine B ( antifungal drug ) depending upon the diagnosis . Hope your concern has been resolved. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari