Mike Fenster, age 10, of Klamath Falls, Ore., for his question:

WHAT CAUSES GOUT?

Gout is a chronic disease that gives severe swelling of the joints. It 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 accumulates in the blood.

Crystals of uric acid are then deposited in tissues around the joints. These deposits cause sudden attacks of swelling, most commonly in the feet.

Swelling of the feet i s sometimes called gouty arthritis.

The tendency to gout i s hereditary. Treatment consists of limiting the amount of protein in the diet and of taking drugs such as aspirin and probeneci de to hasten the elimination of uric acid. Colchi ci ne is a drug used sometimes to relieve acute gouty attacks.

Gout is not curable but is controlled by proper treatment.