What characterizes hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is characterized by a body temperature that is significantly higher than the normal range, typically greater than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). This condition can occur due to various factors, including excessive heat exposure, strenuous exercise in high temperatures, or certain medical conditions and medications that impair the body's ability to dissipate heat. Unlike fever, which is a regulated increase in body temperature due to an immune response, hyperthermia is an uncontrolled rise in temperature that can lead to serious health risks such as heatstroke. Understanding this condition is essential for recognizing its symptoms and responding appropriately, especially in clinical or emergency situations.