Why does coughing worsen after taking Xiao Qing Long Granules, and what should be done?
Generally, coughing may worsen after taking Xiao Qinglong Granules due to factors such as improper diet, failure to follow medical instructions, drug allergy or intolerance, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other underlying diseases. Targeted management through general care, medication, and other treatments is necessary. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Improper Diet: Consuming spicy or irritating foods may interact with the ingredients in Xiao Qinglong Granules, affecting drug absorption or metabolism, thereby worsening cough symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a light diet during treatment to help alleviate discomfort.
2. Not Following Medical Instructions: If patients do not take Xiao Qinglong Granules as directed by their doctor—such as incorrect dosage, inappropriate frequency, or irregular timing—the therapeutic effect may be suboptimal, potentially exacerbating symptoms including cough. Patients should strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule.
3. Drug Allergy or Intolerance: Some individuals may be allergic or intolerant to certain components of Xiao Qinglong Granules, leading to adverse reactions such as worsened cough. In such cases, patients should immediately discontinue use and, under medical guidance, may take antihistamines like cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution or loratadine tablets to manage allergic reactions.
4. Bronchitis: Xiao Qinglong Granules are typically indicated for cough caused by wind-cold type colds. If the cough is due to bronchitis, the medication may not be effective and could potentially worsen the cough. It is recommended to use anti-inflammatory medications such as cefaclor tablets or cefadroxil capsules under a doctor’s supervision.
5. Pneumonia: Typical symptoms of pneumonia include chills, high fever, cough, and sputum production, which fall outside the primary treatment scope of Xiao Qinglong Granules. If the cough is caused by pneumonia, taking Xiao Qinglong Granules alone may fail to control the condition and could even worsen the cough due to inappropriate treatment. It is advised to follow medical advice and take antibacterial medications such as amoxicillin capsules or roxithromycin tablets to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, patients should also avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to prevent irritation of the throat and respiratory tract, which could aggravate coughing.