The most common complication of stomach ulcers is bleeding. It can be serious, but it's not always life-threatening.

Normally, the body's stomach produces acids that protect the mucous lining of the digestive tract. But in some people, the stomach produces too much acid, which can damage the lining and lead to an ulcer.

In elderly patients, bleeding ulcers may be more likely than in younger people, researchers found. It's a result of the fact that elderly people use more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause bleeding ulcers.

They may also be more likely to have bloody vomiting or stool and anemia, which are signs of bleeding inside the stomach. If you think you may have bleeding ulcers, you should get to hospital as soon as possible.

Your doctor will check your stomach and intestines with a gastroscopy, which can identify the source of the bleeding. Treatment will often be given during the gastroscopy to stop it.

You will also be prescribed a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which can prevent rebleeding. A PPI is available in tablet form, and it is also sometimes given intravenously.

Other treatment options include medications that treat the infection that causes peptic ulcers, and diet. A diet rich in fiber can help reduce your risk of developing or recurrent ulcers.

The most common cause of bleeding ulcers is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking these drugs at high doses or for long periods can increase your risk of developing an ulcer. It is important to avoid them at all costs, especially if you are elderly or have other health problems.