How does hyperthermia differ from a fever?

Hyperthermia is characterized by the body's inability to regulate its temperature effectively, often due to external factors such as high environmental temperatures or excessive physical exertion in hot conditions. Unlike fever, which is a controlled response by the body to infection or illness, hyperthermia occurs when the body's heat production exceeds its heat loss. This can lead to dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, fever is typically an adaptive physiological response that signals an underlying health issue, such as an infection. The body raises its temperature set point in response to pyrogens—substances that induce fever, often produced by pathogens. Furthermore, fever can generally be managed effectively with antipyretics to help lower the elevated body temperature.

Therefore, understanding that hyperthermia results from an inability to dissipate heat, especially under conditions where the body is overwhelmed by heat, is crucial for recognizing its distinct nature from fever, which is a more systemic inflammatory response.