Bumps can form on your tongue from any food that triggers an allergic reaction. While some foods, such as highly acidic foods, can cause a gritty or bumpy feeling on your tongue, inflammation is primarily related to a food allergy. If the bumps on your tongue are related to an allergic reaction, they are most likely the result of hives or allergic contact dermatitis. If you suspect that your tongue is swelling, call your doctor immediately because you may be developing a severe allergic reaction.
Cause
Bumps that form on your tongue from eating are most likely from a food allergy. Food allergies affect about 4 to 8 percent of children the United States and about 2 percent of the adult population, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's possible to have an allergic reaction to any food, which typically causes irritation in your soft tissues, such as in your lungs, skin, sinuses and digestive system. Food allergies can cause bumps on your tongue to develop within a few minutes of consuming a food that triggers an allergic reaction. Report any adverse reactions to your doctor.
Allergy Foods
Some foods are more prone to cause an allergic reaction, such as fish, peanuts, wheat, milk, soy, eggs and tree nuts. When you eat a food that you're allergic to, your immune system doesn't recognize the proteins in the food and reacts to them as if they're going to harm your body. This results in the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies, histamine and other chemicals in your body. This chemical release causes swelling and allergic rashes to develop. Avoid any foods that cause bumps to develop on your tongue until you can be seen by your doctor.
Hives
The two most common types of allergic rashes that can cause bumps to develop on your tongue are hives and allergic contact dermatitis. Hives are typically not a serious rash unless the welts that develop from hives form in your throat. If they develop in your throat, they may close off your ability to breathe, leading to further complications.
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic skin rash that develops when your skin comes into direct contact with a substance to which your body is hypersensitive. This rash causes small bumps to form that are extremely itchy but will most likely subside within a few minutes after you stop eating the food.
