NHS Choices advises patients that over-the-counter medicines should work for most cases of SAR. They only usually need to see a GP if: 
• OTC medicines are not controlling symptoms
• Side-effects are troublesome
• There are persistent complications, such as worsening asthma or frequent sinusitis
• The symptom pattern is unusual (e.g. occurring in winter or only at specific locations).

Antihistamines taken either in response to symptoms or prophylactically are recommended initially. Eye drops with sodium cromoglicate can also be used prophylactically. Corticosteroid nasal preparations may be considered if:
• Persistent hay fever does not respond to oral antihistamines
• The main symptom is a blocked nose
• The patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Oral corticosteroids are best reserved for rapid short-term relief from severe symptoms and only in special circumstances, such as at exam time.

NHS Choices warns: “Be wary of unproven treatments and remedies, such as acupuncture arm bands, nasal infrared lights and nasal sprays that coat the nose lining with a protective gel. There’s no scientific evidence to show that these treatments are effective in treating hay fever.”

However, it also advises that rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the lower nostrils can help to prevent pollen from entering the nasal passages.

Allergy UK’s advice is: “Apply an effective allergen barrier balm around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens and other allergens and help prevent a reaction. Allergen barriers are available as balms or gel nasal sprays and some people have found petroleum jelly can help.”