Only two of the patients were taking steroids and they took them in pill form rather than inhaling them, which most respiratory specialists recommend.

In November 1995 a respiratory specialist prescribed Prilosec, a proton pump inhibitor.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in cancer research, as respiratory specialists, nurses, and a handful are preparing for medical school, among many other fields.

Respiratory specialists point out that nasal and oral passages readily moisturize inhaled air before it reaches the lungs, even when the air is very dry.

Mr. Sigman, a respiratory specialist from Santa Maria, Calif., visiting over the July Fourth weekend, went to see if he could help her.

In analyzing the effects of cigarette smoking, the researchers took the degree of air pollution into account, said Dr. Frank E. Speizer, a respiratory specialist on the research team.

But the coalition continued to fight, enlisting respiratory specialists from other nearby hospitals and gathering data showing a dramatic rise in cases of asthma and other illnesses in the neighborhoods nearby.

Other members of the team could include rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory specialists, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation engineers, orthotists, prosthetists, vocational counselors, recreational therapists or other professionals, as appropriate to individual needs and goals.

Medical Records Sought The foundation has a toll-free number, (800) 876-3901, and has persuaded two respiratory specialists - one in Atlanta and one in Houston - to donate their time to examine Navy veterans who fear they may have the symptoms.

The benefit to the homeowner, Dr. Richard Tejedor, a respiratory specialist from Long Beach, Miss., the lawyers said, was that he would receive the money soon, rather than waiting through the long appeal process expected for the family that won the court decision last week.