Which symptom is associated with overactive bladder syndrome?

• A. Dysuria
• B. Urgency
• C. Nocturia
• D. Urinary incontinence

Answer: (C)

Urgency is the defining symptom of overactive bladder. It’s the sudden, compelling urge to urinate that is hard to defer, which is what drives the syndrome’s characteristic pattern of frequent bathroom trips. Patients often experience this urgency with increased daytime frequency and may also have nocturia or, if the urge leaks, urge incontinence.

Dysuria is pain or burning with urination, which steers thinking toward infection or irritation rather than overactive bladder. Nocturia—waking at night to urinate—can occur with overactive bladder, but it isn’t the most specific feature; it can arise from various causes, including sleep factors and other bladder or urinary conditions. Urinary incontinence by itself can occur if urgent needs lead to leakage, but the hallmark trigger remains the sudden urgency.