Definition:
Hyperthermia occurs when the body heats up beyond its ability to combat the heat. As heat is absorbed by the body, your skin is the first defense against the heat. Your body will attempt to dissipate the excessive heat through evaporative cooling. In other words, you sweat.
When the heat becomes too great, your body will begin to protect its internal organs from the loss of water by shutting down this mechanism. This is the first sign of hyperthermia, or heat exhaustion. Left untreated, your body could continue to suffer the effects of the heat leading to heat stroke, also known as sun stroke.
Hyperthermia is often confused with hypothermia.
Pronunciation: Hi-per-therm-ee-ya
Also Known As: Heat Illness, sun stroke, heat exhaustion
Examples:
Dozens of children die each year of hyperthermia as a result of being left in a locked car.