One embodiment is directed to a method for managing unproductive cough in a patient, comprising: providing an applicator comprising a resistive heating element and being configured to be positioned adjacent a portion of a targeted nerve tissue for treatment providing a power source configured to provide electrical current to the resistive heating element providing a current controller operatively coupled to the power source and configured to raise the temperature of the portion of the targeted nerve tissue to inhibit nerve conduction and modulating the temperature of the portion of the targeted nerve tissue to inhibit nerve conduction.
