Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients or parents may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to rheumatic fever:

1. Why do you think I have rheumatic fever?
   
   
2. What may have caused the condition?
   
   
3. What tests will you use to diagnose rheumatic fever?
   
   
4. Where will the tests be administered and how soon will I get the results?
   
   
5. What are my treatment options for the infection?
   
   
6. What can I take if I am allergic to penicillin?
   
   
7. When will I begin to see improvement after I have started treatment?
   
   
8. Are there any restrictions while I am being treated for rheumatic fever?
   
   
9. How can you determine if the rheumatic fever has damaged my heart?
   
   
10. What are the chances that my rheumatic fever will recur?
    
    
11. What can I do to  help prevent rheumatic fever in the future?
    
    
12. What should I do if I develop strep throat after I have rheumatic fever?
    
    
13. Can rheumatic heart disease be treated?
    
    
14. How will rheumatic fever affect me or my fetus during pregnancy?