Art Grant, age 10, of Wichita, Kan., for his question:

WHAT CAUSES GOUT?

Gout is caused by a defect in the body's natural action of breaking down certain proteins. This results in the production of too much uric acid, which builds up in the blood. Then crystals of uric acid are deposited in tissues around the joints.

Deposits of uric acid crystals cause sudden attacks of swelling, most commonly in the feet. This is called gouty arthritis.

Gout is actually a chronic disease that produces severe swelling of the joints. Tendency to gout is hereditary. Treatment consists of limiting  the amount of protein in the diet, and of taking drugs such as aspirin and probenecid, to hasten the elimination of uric acid.

Gout is not curable but it can be controlled by proper treatment and diet.