The Full Form of PBC is‍ Primary biliary cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cholangitis, previously called primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed. Bile is a fluid made in your liver. It aids with digestion and helps your body get rid of cholesterol, toxins and worn-out red blood cells.

When the bile ducts are damaged, bile can back up in your liver and sometimes lead to irreversible scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).

Primary biliary cholangitis is considered an autoimmune disease, which means your body’s immune system is mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissue. Researchers think a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the disease. It usually develops slowly. Medication can slow liver damage, especially if treatment begins early.

More than half the people with primary biliary cholangitis do not have any noticeable symptoms when diagnosed. The disease may be diagnosed when blood tests are done for other reasons. Symptoms eventually develop over the next five to 20 years. Those who do have symptoms at diagnosis typically have poorer outcomes.

Common early symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Dry eyes and mouth

Later signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Swelling of the spleen
• Bone, muscle or joint (musculoskeletal) pain
• Swollen feet and ankles (edema)
• Buildup of fluid in the abdomen due to liver failure (ascites)
• Fatty deposits (xanthomas) on the skin around the eyes, eyelids or in the creases of the palms, soles, elbows or knees
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Darkening of the skin that’s not related to sun exposure (hyperpigmentation)
• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis), which can lead to fractures
• High cholesterol
• Diarrhea, which may include greasy stools (steatorrhea)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Weight loss