A 12-year-old girl with leukemia develops a lower respiratory tract infection with hemoptysis that is shown to be due to right-sided bronchiectasis. In addition to treatment for the underlying leukemia, the patient should receive which of the following?: (A) Undergo right pneumonectomy, (B) Receive selective antibiotics, physiotherapy, and bronchodilator therapy, (C) Undergo tracheostomy, (D) Have cough-suppressant medication
Answer is B. Bronchiectasis is caused by a congenital or acquired dilation of the segmental, subsegmental, or branches of the bronchi. Patients with B lymphocyte disorders are more likely to develop lower respiratory tract infection and bronchiectasis than those with impaired T-cell immunity. Treatment is aimed at obtaining maximal drainage. Resection may be indicated when the disease is localized and persistent symptoms and complications occur.