Final answer:
Symptoms from a goiter compressing adjacent structures include breathing difficulties, coughing, swallowing issues, and a tight sensation in the neck. The options provided relate to symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalances rather than compressive effects of goiters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms that may arise from a goiter compressing adjacent structures can vary depending on the location and extent of the thyroid enlargement. However, common symptoms of compression include difficulty breathing, coughing, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of tightness in the neck. None of the options provided in the question (A) Diarrhea and constipation, (B) Vision changes and eye discomfort, (C) Joint pain and swelling, (D) Increased appetite and weight gain directly describe these compressive symptoms. These options are more related to the symptoms caused by the altered levels of thyroid hormones in diseases like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and not mechanical compression by the goiter itself.
For instance, hyperthyroidism can lead to symptoms such as excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss despite increased appetite, muscle weakness, and heat sensitivity due to elevated levels of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism may result in symptoms like fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, constipation, and slowed mental activity because of insufficient thyroid hormone levels. While goiters are associated with conditions that disrupt normal thyroid hormone levels, like Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the specific symptoms listed in the options pertain to these hormonal alterations rather than the physical presence of the goiter itself.