Tag: Gastrointestinal rest

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during anaesthesia is a significant risk, and even a small amount can cause serious or fatal complications. A "nil by mouth" (NBM) order is a standard safety protocol used in medicine to prevent such events across a range of clinical scenarios beyond just surgery.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a clear liquid diet gives your digestive system a crucial chance to rest and heal from severe symptoms, making it a powerful medical tool for short-term use. This is the primary reason why you are supposed to drink clear liquids for a short period of time under a doctor's supervision.