Brief Answer:
How long has this been going on?

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If your symptoms just started recently, likely you have a "stomach bug", usually a virus, and it will go away soon.

I have a few questions so that I can provide further, more specific information:
1. When did this start?
2. Do you have abdominal pain or cramping?
3. Do you have any other symptoms such as fevers?
4. How many stools are you passing in a day?
5. Have you had this before?
6. What medications are you taking for other health issues,and did you start any new meds recently?

Any further details or history you can provide will help.

Thanks.

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Brief Answer:
Most likely infectious cause:

Detailed Answer:
There are many causes for persistent flatulence, but many of them can be ruled out because you aren't having other symptoms - for example gall stones and obstruction usually also causes abdominal pain and nausea.

Other common causes are development of malabsorption problems such as lactose (dairy) intolerance or Celiac disease (gluten intolerance), and food allergies.

Given that it came on 3 weeks ago, it sounds like an abrupt onset, which goes more with an infectious cause.

Usually when diarrhea has persisted for 3 or more weeks, we start an evaluation, including stool studies. You have not been having diarrhea per se, but your stools are not normal (loose), so I recommend seeing your doctor for evaluation at this point.

Here is an article you may find useful: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/1115/p1119.html

One other thought: Try taking Pepto Bismol for a few days (such as 3 days) and see if that helps. The bismuth in it can deactivate many forms of infectious gastroenteritis. It can also be somewhat binding/constipating - that is not due to it killing the unwanted bugs but to it's clay like characteristics.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification. And I hope you are feeling better soon.

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