This is a sign of distress and a physician should be consulted. Keeping the child from becoming too distressed is important. Thus you may need to baby them for a day or two. Treatment Push fluids hard as fluids thin the mucous in the lungs, allowing them to cough it up. Keep your house cool.
Cool air decreases the breathing difficulty.
In fact, try dressing the child warmly and taking them for a ride. The cool air will help them and the ride will settle them down. That is why most children get better on the way to the doctor. Do not give antihistamines as they may thicken the mucous in the chest. The inspiratory croup may also be helped by sitting with them in the mist of a shower.