An 18-month-old boy wakes at 2 am with a harsh, barking cough and noisy breathing and is brought to the emergency department. He has had a runny nose for two days. On examination he sits alert on his mother's lap with a hoarse cry, a high-pitched inspiratory noise audible at rest, and moderate tracheal tug with intercostal retraction. His temperature is 37.8°C, oxygen saturation is 97% in room air, he is not drooling, and he accepts sips of water from a cup. Which one of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?
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