Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) as a form of lower respiratory tract infection is one of the most important cause of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of CAP is highest in young children and old adults. The most important causative agent of CAP is Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are multiple national and international guidelines for the management of CAP. The article is based on the updated guidelines of British Thoracic Society published in 2009 and the guidelines of Polish Respiratory Society and National Program for Protection of Antibiotics, both published in 2010.