Aspirin might be a cure for hot heads, and not just the kind brought on by fever. A new study out of the University of Chicago shows that uncontrollable anger is linked to systemic inflammation. This means that, potentially, chronic anger and irritability might be treatable with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

Markers of systemic inflammation, caused by an amplified immune response, are associated with a condition called “intermittent explosive disorder”, or IED, say scientists. In layman’s language, IED can be translated as having a very short fuse.

The researchers measured markers of inflammation in the blood of 70 people diagnosed IED. The study also included 61 people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders not involving aggression, and 67 participants with no psychiatric disorder, who served as controls. The results showed a direct link between levels of two markers of inflammation and impulsivity and aggression in people with IED, but not in control participants.

However, how the relationship works is still unclear.

“We don’t know yet if the inflammation triggers aggression, or aggressive feelings set off inflammation, but it’s a powerful indication that the two are biologically connected, and a damaging combination,” said study researcher Dr. Emil Coccaro, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago.

Levels of one inflammation marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), were twice as high in “explosive” individuals. Both CRP and another marker, the signalling molecule interleukin-6 (IL-6) were prominent in people with the worst records of aggressive behaviour.

“These two markers consistently correlate with aggression and impulsivity but not with other psychiatric problems,” said Coccaro.

While the findings don’t explicitly link anti-inflammatories like aspirin with reduced anger, the implication is there, and the results open the doors for new research into whether reducing inflammation directly influences levels of aggression. Current IED treatments include, mood stabilizing drugs and psychotherapy, though these methods aren’t always successful.

IED is shown to be a risk factor for other forms of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and alcohol or drug abuse. An easy and affordable treatment, like aspirin, could theoretically reduce suffering across an entire range of illnesses.